Dhurandhar Defies Theatrical Ban to Dominate Netflix in Pakistan, Hailed as 'Best Bollywood Movie Ever'

In a compelling narrative that transcends geographical and political boundaries, the Indian spy thriller "Dhurandhar" has achieved unprecedented success on Netflix in Pakistan, trending at the number one spot just days after its digital release. This remarkable feat comes despite the film being denied a theatrical release in the country, highlighting the power of streaming platforms to connect content with eager audiences. The Aditya Dhar directorial, which boasts an all-star cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal, has not only garnered immense viewership but has also sparked conversations among Pakistani viewers, with many praising it as the 'best Bollywood movie ever'.

Box Office Success Amidst Regional Restrictions

"Dhurandhar" has proven to be a juggernaut at the global box office, achieving significant success both domestically and overseas. The film's worldwide gross stands at an impressive ₹1300 crore, making it the second-highest-grossing Bollywood film in history. This substantial achievement is even more notable given its absence from cinemas in the Middle East and Pakistan. A distributor for the film previously estimated a loss of $10 million due to its non-release in these key markets. The film's subsequent performance on Netflix in Pakistan now lends considerable weight to this assertion, demonstrating a clear demand for the content that was previously unfulfilled Hindustan Times.

#1 Trending on Netflix Pakistan

The film's digital premiere on Netflix on January 30, approximately eight weeks after its theatrical debut, immediately resonated with Pakistani audiences. Over the recent weekend, social media platforms were abuzz with screenshots showcasing "Dhurandhar" perched at the top of Netflix's trending films list in Pakistan. Independent verification confirmed that the Ranveer Singh-starrer has indeed maintained its #1 position on Netflix Pakistan since at least Saturday, outranking other popular Bollywood titles like "Tere Ishk Mein" and "Haq," as well as "The Big Fake." This trending status underscores the film's unexpected but undeniable popularity in a region where it faced theatrical distribution challenges Hindustan Times.

Challenging Perceptions: A Spy Thriller's Narrative

"Dhurandhar" is a high-octane spy thriller that immerses viewers in the world of an Indian spy, played by Ranveer Singh, as he infiltrates criminal gangs in Lyari, Pakistan. The narrative skillfully weaves together real incidents and real-life figures with a fictionalized account of India's counter-terrorism efforts. The film's subject matter, which likely contributed to its theatrical ban in Pakistan due to the country's long-standing policy against Indian film releases, now appears to be a source of intrigue and discussion rather than division amongst its newfound audience on Netflix. Viewers are actively seeking to understand why the film was deemed so "controversial."

Overwhelming Positive Reception from Pakistani Viewers

The buzz surrounding "Dhurandhar" in Pakistan since its Netflix release has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media, particularly Reddit, is flooded with glowing reviews from Pakistani viewers. One Reddit user expressed, "As a Pakistani, it's the best ever Bollywood movie I ever watched. First time I saw a film where actual research has been done and there's no use of 'adaab' 'janaab' surma kajal topi and vest to show Pakistanis. and thank you for showing a political party linked to crimes (I won't take the name you guys will get it as it's mentioned in movie) and exposing them. I have high expectations from part 2..." This sentiment was echoed by another Pakistani viewer who stated, "I’m Pakistani and I love Dhurandhar. Yall gotta stop creating this narrative that we hate you guys and vice versa. It’s all love from my side. Don’t be rude." Many have signaled their intention for repeat viewings, a testament to the film's impactful storytelling and production quality.

Nuanced Portrayal and 'Questionable Politics'

Further analysis from Pakistani viewers suggests that the film's portrayal of Pakistan is more nuanced than anticipated. Comments indicate that the movie successfully depicts aspects of Pakistani society, including "the weapon gangs and politics," without resorting to demonization. One viewer commented, "The movie actually portrayed pakistan well (the weapon gangs and politics) and sprinkled opinion politics on India. There's nothing against Pakistan people in the movie. But so much against Indian people lol. Excellent movie." This perspective aligns with certain critiques, including from filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who reportedly described "Dhurandhar" as a "well-made film with some questionable politics." The film's ability to spark such diverse yet appreciative discussions highlights its compelling narrative and complex themes Hindustan Times. With a sequel already slated for release on March 19, the "Dhurandhar" phenomenon is clearly just beginning.