Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar Hit By Gulf Ban, International Business Suffers

Ranveer Singh’s latest action drama Dhurandhar has made a striking start at the international box office, underlining the actor’s continued appeal beyond Indian shores. In just four days, the film has collected Rs 44.08 crore overseas, reflecting robust audience interest across several key markets. The impressive numbers, however, come with a significant caveat. Dhurandhar has been denied release across the entire Gulf region, traditionally one of Bollywood’s most reliable overseas revenue contributors.

Gulf Markets Remain Completely Out Of Reach

Despite sustained efforts by the makers, Dhurandhar failed to secure clearance in any of the GCC nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. The film’s theme reportedly raised concerns among regional authorities, leading to a blanket rejection. Industry insiders suggest the narrative was perceived as politically sensitive, resulting in the film being kept out of theatres across the Gulf. This decision has effectively cut Dhurandhar off from a circuit that often plays a decisive role in boosting overseas box-office totals.

Overseas Performance Shows Strong Momentum

Even without Gulf support, Dhurandhar’s international performance has remained solid. The action-driven storyline and star-studded cast appear to have resonated with audiences in other territories, helping the film post healthy early figures. Trade observers note that crossing the Rs 44 crore mark within four days indicates strong word-of-mouth and sustained footfalls, particularly in markets known for action and espionage thrillers.

High-Octane Espionage At The Core

Directed by Aditya Datt, Dhurandhar places Ranveer Singh in the role of an Indian officer operating undercover across the border. The plot follows his covert mission as it disrupts criminal and political networks, setting the stage for high-stakes confrontations. Supporting performances by Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi add weight to the narrative, contributing to the film’s large-scale appeal.

A Familiar Pattern Of Regional Censorship

Dhurandhar’s Gulf rejection is not an isolated case. Several Indian films with politically charged themes have faced similar roadblocks in recent years. Big-ticket releases such as Fighter, Sky Force, The Diplomat, Article 370, Tiger 3 and The Kashmir Files encountered partial or complete bans across GCC countries. The trend highlights ongoing sensitivities around content perceived as controversial, particularly when regional geopolitics form part of the storyline.

Despite missing out on a crucial overseas market, Dhurandhar’s strong start suggests that audience interest remains firmly intact elsewhere, keeping its global box-office journey firmly in focus.