Despite a record-breaking global opening, Dhurandhar: The Revenge (popularly known as Dhurandhar 2) has not been released in several Gulf countries, sparking confusion among fans about whether the film has been banned across the region.
According to multiple reports, the Ranveer Singh-starrer has indeed not been cleared for theatrical release in key Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.
Is ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Banned in the Gulf?
The short answer is yes the film has effectively been blocked from release in these countries, even though it has premiered in most other global markets.
However, contrary to viral claims, the ban is not linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict or Iran-related tensions.
Why Was the Film Not Cleared?
Reports suggest that the primary reason lies in the film’s politically sensitive storyline. The movie revolves around an Indian intelligence operative operating in Pakistan and dealing with crime networks and terrorism-related themes.
Gulf censor boards are known to be cautious about content that could impact regional sensitivities or diplomatic balance. In this case, authorities reportedly viewed the film’s narrative as containing “anti-Pakistan” elements, which may not align with their censorship guidelines.
This is not an isolated case. Several Indian films with similar geopolitical or war-based themes have faced restrictions in the Gulf region in the past due to comparable concerns.
Impact on Box Office
The Gulf market is traditionally a strong overseas territory for Bollywood films. Industry insiders suggest that missing out on these countries could result in significant revenue loss. Previous films in the same franchise also faced similar bans, impacting overseas earnings.
Despite this setback, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has opened strongly worldwide and continues to perform well in other international markets.
What It Means for Fans
For audiences in the Gulf, the film is currently unavailable in theatres, though some may expect a digital release later depending on regional streaming regulations.
