Dhurandhar's Middle East Ban: Is this a restriction on freedom of expression?

Ranveer Singh's highly talked about film 'Dhurandhar' made a blockbuster impact at the box office as soon as it released in India, shining as one of the biggest hits of the year. Audiences loved the powerful performance and action, of Ranveer Singh But then, the shocking news emerged which raised questions in the global film industry.

Dhurandhar was not allowed to be released in theaters in several Middle Eastern countries. These include countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.

Why was it not released?

The film was not granted a theatrical release certificate in these countries. Although no official ban was announced by any country, the film could not be released there due to the lack of approval.

• According to media reports, the film's storyline was considered politically sensitive in some places.
• In 'Dhurandhar', Ranveer Singh plays the role of an Indian spy who goes on a mission to Pakistan.
• Because of this, some countries felt that the film could create controversy.

How much loss did the film incur?

Although the film has been raking in huge profits since its release, the lack of release in the Gulf countries has dealt a major financial blow to the film.

According to overseas distributors, Dhurandhar suffered a loss of approximately 90 crore rupees. The Gulf market has always been

a huge revenue-generating area for Bollywood films. This is because a large number of Indian and South Asian audiences reside there.

The film is a superhit in India because it received an A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India. After a thorough review process, the film was approved for release. In India, Dhurandhar grossed over 800 crore rupees in net collection, and its worldwide earnings crossed 1500 crore rupees. This film has become one of the highest-grossing Hindi films.

Now, the matter has reached Prime Minister Modi.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), a long-standing organization in the film industry, has taken a major step on this entire issue. IMPPA has written an official letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting his intervention in the matter. The association's president, Mr. Abhay Sinha, wrote in his letter that the ban imposed on 'Dhurandhar' by Middle Eastern countries is unilateral and without reason. He said that when the film has been approved by the government board in India, then stopping it in other countries is tantamount to suppressing the freedom of expression of filmmakers.

IMPPA also wrote that the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman are friendly countries of India and our trade relations with them are very old.

Therefore, the organization requested the Prime Minister to ask the Indian government to talk to these countries and try to lift the ban on Dhurandhar so that the audience there can also watch the film.

Now, what is the atmosphere in the industry regarding this controversy? Let's find out.

There is a mixed reaction in the film industry regarding this decision. Many filmmakers believe that every country has its own censorship policy, but creative freedom should also be respected.

Some people say that films made on political subjects often face such situations.

So now the question arises, what next?

Now all eyes are on the next step of the Indian government. It remains to be seen whether this issue is resolved through diplomatic talks or not.

Meanwhile, the second part of Dhurandhar, 'Dhurandhar 2', is scheduled to be released on Eid 2026.
It will also be interesting to see what kind of response the sequel receives in the international market. Having already made history with its theme, story, acting, and box office collection, 'Dhurandhar' is no longer just a super hit film; it has now become the subject of a major debate on freedom of expression and international censorship.

While the film is breaking records in India, it has been banned in the Middle East. Now it remains to be seen whether the government's efforts will lead to a positive resolution in this matter.

Aditya Dhar Dhurandhar Movie | Aditya Uppal Dhurandhar performance | Aditya Uppal in Dhurandhar | Akshaye Khanna villain Dhurandhar | Dhurandhar actor Aditya Uppal | Dhurandhar 2 Competition | Dhurandhar Anti-Women Allegations | Dhurandhar Success | Dhurandhar Public Review | Dhurandhar Weekend Collection