Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar faces ban in all Gulf countries

Ranveer Singh’s latest film Dhurandhar, which centres on Karachi's Lyari gang wars and geopolitics, has not been cleared for screening in Gulf nations.

According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the film has not been granted release permission in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia or the UAE.

A source quoted in the report said that authorities in these states were reluctant to approve the movie due to how it portrays Pakistan, adding that similar films have also faced ban in the past.

"There were apprehensions that this would happen as the film is perceived as an ‘anti-Pakistan film", the report quoted the source as saying.

"Also, in the past, such films have failed to procure a release in this region. Yet, the team of Dhurandhar made an attempt, but sadly, all the countries did not approve of the theme of the film."

Dhurandhar, the Indian thriller released on December 5, has sparked debate in both India and Pakistan. Based on the Lyari gang wars, the film mixes action with political messaging.

Pakistani audiences largely saw it as propaganda, while also lamenting their own industry’s lack of films portraying local stories and history.