Major Controversy: Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ Hit With a Strict Ban in Six Gulf Countries for Political Themes
Ranveer Singh's film Dhurandhar banned in Saudi Arabia, UAE, & 4 other Gulf nations over political content. Learn why, its box office impact, and the recurring Bollywood censorship issue in the GCC region.
Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ Banned in Six Gulf Nations Over Political Content
Ranveer Singh’s highly-anticipated spy thriller ‘Dhurandhar’ has been officially banned from theatrical release in six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, dealing a significant blow to its global box office potential. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, has been denied censorship clearance in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar due to authorities' concerns over its perceived political narrative and sensitive content.
Why Was ‘Dhurandhar’ Banned in the Gulf?
According to industry insiders and trade reports, GCC film certification boards cited the movie’s “anti-Pakistan” messaging and its portrayal of geopolitical tensions as the primary reasons for the ban. The filmmakers reportedly submitted the film for approval across all six markets but were uniformly rejected. This decision highlights the careful balance these nations maintain regarding cultural imports and diplomatic sensitivities, particularly for content involving regional political themes.
A Recurring Pattern for Bollywood Films
‘Dhurandhar’ is not an isolated case. It joins a growing list of Indian films that have faced restrictions or bans in the Gulf region due to politically charged storylines. Recent titles such as ‘Fighter’, ‘Article 370’, ‘The Kashmir Files’, and ‘Tiger 3’ have encountered similar fates—either being pulled shortly after release, heavily edited, or blocked entirely. For instance, ‘Fighter’ saw a brief, one-day release in the UAE before being withdrawn. This pattern underscores the strict censorship standards in GCC countries and the challenges for Bollywood producers tapping into this crucial overseas market.
Box Office Impact: Strong Domestic Show Despite Gulf Setback
The ban represents a substantial commercial setback, as the Gulf region is a major revenue source for Bollywood, thanks to its large South Asian diaspora. Industry analysts estimate the film is missing out on crores in potential earnings. Despite this, ‘Dhurandhar’ has demonstrated impressive strength at the Indian box office, crossing the ₹200 crore net mark domestically in its first week. It has also performed well in other international markets, though its global gross is undoubtedly lower without contributions from the lucrative GCC circuits.
About ‘Dhurandhar’: Cast, Crew, and Inspirations
‘Dhurandhar’ marks director Aditya Dhar’s return after the blockbuster success of ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ (2019). The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role, supported by a powerhouse ensemble including Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun. While speculation suggested the plot was based on a specific real-life individual, Dhar has clarified that the spy thriller is inspired by broader geopolitical events and intelligence operations, not a direct biopic. The narrative focuses on espionage and undercover missions set against a backdrop of regional conflict.
Broader Implications: Censorship vs. Creative Freedom
The Gulf ban has reignited ongoing debates within the Indian film industry about creative freedom, cultural censorship, and the globalization of cinema. Filmmakers are increasingly forced to navigate a complex web of international content regulations while trying to tell stories that are both compelling and commercially viable worldwide. This incident raises questions about whether producers might begin to self-censor themes to secure global releases or if new distribution strategies will emerge to circumvent such barriers.
Looking Ahead
As ‘Dhurandhar’ continues its successful run in India and other territories, its ban in the Gulf serves as a stark reminder of the political power of film and the varying standards of content acceptance across borders. For Bollywood, which increasingly relies on international revenue, this event may prompt a strategic reevaluation of how politically sensitive scripts are developed and marketed for a global audience. The conversation around balancing artistic expression with market accessibility is now more critical than ever.
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