Indian propaganda film Dhurandhar has reportedly faced bans in six Gulf countries due to alleged anti-Pakistan content. Indian media reported that authorities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates blocked the film’s release. Filmmakers had tried to screen it in the region.
A source associated with the film told Bollywood Hungama: “Concerns were raised early because the film is considered ‘anti-Pakistan.’ The team tried, but no country approved the content. That is why Dhurandhar could not be released anywhere in the Gulf.”
Multiple Indian media outlets reported the same claim.
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Directed by Aditya Dhar, who previously made URI: The Surgical Strike (2019) and Article 370 (2024), the film released on 5 December. Dhurandhar tells the story of an Indian spy, played by Ranveer Singh, stationed in Karachi’s Lyari district. The cast also includes Arjun Rampal, A.R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Akshay Khanna.
Pakistani and Indian viewers criticized the film for its heavy propaganda. Some Pakistani audiences complained that local entertainment has failed to tell stories that originate in Pakistan. Others expressed concern that Pakistani audiences continue to embrace Indian content, even though India imposes bans and boycotts on Pakistani artists.
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Gulf bans follow recent precedents
Gulf authorities have not officially confirmed the ban. However, the decision comes after several Indian films were blocked in the region in recent years.
The Times of India reported that Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s Fighter (2024) initially received permission for a UAE release. Authorities later suspended it. Filmmakers edited “controversial” scenes and resubmitted the film, but approval was denied again. The story follows Hrithik Roshan as Indian Air Force pilot “Vicky” Pathania, including the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Similarly, Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force (2025) and John Abraham’s The Diplomat (2025) faced bans in the UAE due to similar content concerns.
