From Our Correspondent
The Ranveer Singh–starrer Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the year’s most contentious releases, with its political themes triggering disputes at home and abroad. The espionage action drama, which opened on 5 December 2025, has performed strongly in Indian theatres but is now mired in multiple controversies that have dominated public discussion.
The film has been a major commercial success, emerging as one of the top grossing Hindi films of 2025. The spy action thriller crossed the ₹200-crore mark domestically within its first week. Dhurandhar also entered the ₹300 crore club worldwide, with total global earnings reported near ₹374 crore so far. The film’s strong weekday holds and positive audience turnout have helped it outperform several contemporaries at the box office, cementing its status as a blockbuster of the year.
Release Blocked in Gulf Countries
The film has been denied release across all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. Regional censors reportedly took objection to the film’s political and geopolitical messaging, especially scenes perceived as anti-Pakistan and hostile to certain cross-border ethnic groups. The ban has shut Dhurandhar out of a crucial overseas market.
Community Backlash in India
Members of the Baloch Makarani community in Gujarat have protested against their depiction in the film. They allege that specific dialogues and character portrayals insult their identity, prompting community leaders to file complaints and demand corrective action. The issue has added a domestic social dimension to the film’s mounting disputes.
Main Controversial Issues in the Film
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Portrayal of Pakistan-linked Networks
The core narrative revolves around an Indian intelligence operation targeting gang networks allegedly tied to Pakistan. Gulf authorities viewed this as politically provocative, contributing directly to the ban. -
Depiction of Baloch Groups and Lyari Conflicts
The film references Baloch communities and historical events connected to Karachi’s Lyari region. Critics argue that the portrayal is simplified, sensationalised or inaccurate, leading to backlash both in Pakistan and within Baloch communities in India. -
Stereotyping of Ethnic Minorities
Several character arcs and dialogue exchanges have been accused of reinforcing negative stereotypes, especially of the Baloch Makarani community — a major reason for protests and legal warnings. -
Militaristic and Hyper-Nationalistic Tone
Some reviewers point out that the film frames its espionage story with aggressive hyper-nationalism, which they argue crosses into political propaganda territory. -
Graphic Violence Linked to Real Groups
The movie’s gritty action sequences depict criminal factions inspired by real-world gangs. Community members claim the film misuses their identity to dramatise violence.
Despite the controversies, a sequel to Dhurandhar is confirmed and already in the works. Director Aditya Dhar has publicly stated that Dhurandhar Part 2 “is coming” and the team will work to meet audience expectations following the first film’s release.
According to widely-reported information, Dhurandhar Part 2 is slated for theatrical release on March 19, 2026, with the story continuing from where the first installment left off.