India’s new film ’Dhurandhar‘ has reportedly faced bans in six Gulf countries due to alleged anti-Pakistan content. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have blocked the film’s release. Filmmakers had tried to secure approval for screenings in the region but failed.
According to Indian media, concerns emerged because the film is perceived as “anti-Pakistan.” A source told Bollywood Hungama that no Gulf country approved the content, despite the production team’s efforts. The film could not release anywhere in the Middle East.
Read more: Indian spy thriller Dhurandhar sparks debate across India
Directed by Aditya Dhar, known for ’Uri: The Surgical Strike’ (2019) and ’Article 370’ (2024), ’Dhurandhar’ released on December 5. The story revolves around an Indian spy stationed in Karachi’s Lyari area, played by Ranveer Singh. The cast also includes Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Akshay Khanna.
Both Pakistani and Indian viewers criticized the film’s heavy propaganda, while some Pakistani audiences noted their local industry failed to handle authentic stories effectively. Others expressed regret that Pakistani audiences consume Indian content despite bans on Pakistani artists in India.
Read more: Benazir Stood Tall. Dhurandhar Falls Short
Although Gulf countries have not officially confirmed the ban, this follows a pattern of Indian films being blocked in the region for controversial content. Earlier films like ’Fighter’ (2024), ’Sky Force’ (2025), and ’The Diplomat’ (2025) faced similar restrictions in the UAE over sensitive depictions.