Chicago – December 14, 2025
The blockbuster Bollywood spy thriller Dhurandhar has become one of the most controversial films of the year, drawing sharp criticism for its depiction of Muslim characters and its portrayal of Pakistan — and prompting bans in several countries across the Middle East.
Released on December 5, 2025, Dhurandhar — directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh — follows an Indian spy infiltrating criminal networks in Karachi’s Lyari district as part of a broader counter-terrorism narrative. While marketed domestically as a high-octane thriller, critics and audiences abroad argue the film crosses into political propaganda with an anti-Pakistan narrative.
Despite strong box office performance within India, Dhurandhar has been barred from release in several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Authorities in these nations reportedly refused to clear the film for theatrical distribution due to concerns over its perceived ‘anti-Pakistan’ content and politically sensitive messaging.
Officials and industry insiders say that in markets with large Pakistani and South Asian communities — where social harmony and diplomatic sensitivities are priorities — films with aggressive cross-border or antagonistic portrayals can be seen as potentially harmful to public sentiment.
