‘Dhurandhar 2’: Is Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ Banned in Middle East Countries?
Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' has been banned across several Gulf nations, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, due to its sensitive 'anti-Pakistan' themes and geopolitical narrative. Know more about the restrictions imposed inside.
The highly anticipated spy thriller Dhurandhar: The Revenge, starring Ranveer Singh, has been officially denied a theatrical release across several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. Despite a record-breaking opening day at the Indian box office on March 19, 2026, the film has failed to clear censorship boards in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Twitter Review: Ranveer Singh an Acting Maestro As Sher-E-Baloch in Aditya Dhar’s Sequel; Fans Call Movie ‘Lethal, Unapologetic Cinema’.
The decision follows a similar ban imposed on the franchise's first instalment in 2025. While the film was released globally to coincide with the festive period of Gudi Padwa and Eid al-Fitr, fans in the Middle East will have to wait for an eventual digital release to view the sequel.
‘Dhurandhar 2’ Banned in GCC Nations Due to Political Sensitivity?
The primary reason for the restriction appears to be the film’s narrative, which centres on high-stakes espionage and geopolitical tensions. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar 2 continues the story of an Indian intelligence officer, Jaskirat Singh Rangi (played by Singh), who infiltrates criminal syndicates in Karachi.
Regional censors in the Gulf have historically been cautious regarding content that depicts India-Pakistan relations or sensitive cross-border conflicts. Reports suggest that the film’s "anti-Pakistan" undertones and its portrayal of real-life geopolitical events, including Operation Lyari, were flagged as potentially disruptive to regional harmony.
A Pattern of Increased Scrutiny
This latest ban is not an isolated incident but rather part of a growing trend of stricter regulation for Indian "national security" dramas in the Middle East. Within the last two years, several big-budget films, including Fighter, Sky Force, and Article 370, faced similar hurdles or outright bans in the region.
Gulf authorities often prioritise maintaining a neutral stance and preventing any potential friction within their large and diverse South Asian expatriate communities. Even when filmmakers offer "cleaner" or edited versions, films with overt political themes frequently struggle to obtain clearance.
Financial Impact on ‘Dhurandhar 2’
The loss of the Gulf market is a significant blow to the film's international revenue. Industry analysts estimate that the region typically accounts for nearly 25% of an Indian film's overseas earnings. In 2025, the first Dhurandhar reportedly lost an estimated USD 10 million in potential revenue due to similar restrictions.
Despite the setback abroad, Dhurandhar 2 is shattering records domestically. The film earned over INR 75 crore on its opening day in India, surpassing previous blockbusters like Jawan and Pathaan. This success comes despite the film receiving an 'A' rating from India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and undergoing several edits to reduce graphic violence. ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Box Office Collection Day 1: Ranveer Singh’s Spy Thriller Creates History With INR102 Crore Opening in India, Surpasses THESE Biggies.
More About ‘Dhurandhar 2’
Dhurandhar: The Revenge features a star-studded ensemble including Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and Akshaye Khanna. The film concludes the duology’s storyline, focusing on themes of revenge and national security following the 26/11 attacks.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 20, 2026 02:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).