The blockbuster Bollywood film Dhurandhar has once again captured headlines, this time for achieving a remarkable feat on streaming platforms. Despite being officially banned in Pakistan, the Aditya Dhar directorial has surged to the number one position on Netflix in both India and Pakistan following its OTT release on January 30, 2026.
Controversial Success Story
Originally released in theaters in December 2025, Dhurandhar had already established itself as one of the most successful Indian films of all time with worldwide box office collections crossing Rs 1,300 crore. The film, starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, tells the story of an Indian intelligence officer's covert mission into Pakistan where he becomes entangled with the dangerous Lyari mafia.
Unexpected Popularity Across Borders
What makes this development particularly noteworthy is the film's performance in Pakistan, where it remains officially banned. The Netflix release has prompted a wave of reactions from Pakistani viewers, many of whom have shared surprisingly positive reviews on social media platforms.
One Reddit user from Pakistan commented, "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 stereotypical elements to portray Pakistanis. Fantastic movie, casting, shooting, story - everything's on point."
Another Pakistani viewer expressed, "I'm Pakistani and I love Dhurandhar. We need to stop creating narratives that we hate each other. It's all love from my side."
Indian Response and Celebrity Reactions
In India, Dhurandhar shot to the top of Netflix charts within 24 hours of its premiere. Director Aditya Dhar expressed his gratitude, stating, "Seeing Dhurandhar hit #1 on Netflix is incredibly gratifying. The film was made to be experienced with passion - whether on the big screen or at home."
Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur joined the conversation, praising the film on social media. He wrote, "Finally saw #Dhurandhar on Netflix. Terrific storytelling and very high level of performances even from minor roles. Director #AdityaDhar deserves all the praise he's getting."
Mixed Reactions and Criticism
Despite its popularity, the film continues to face sharp criticism from some quarters. Radio jockey Sayema commented about the film's violent content, "I waited for Dhurandhar to release on OTT because I wanted to skip the violence and gore... It didn't suit my palate. Too much gore."
Other viewers have called the film "blatant propaganda" and criticized its execution. One user described it as "loud, frantic, and empty," while another called it "pointlessly long and mediocre."
Looking Ahead to Dhurandhar 2
The controversy and success have only increased anticipation for the sequel, Dhurandhar 2, which is scheduled for theatrical release on March 19, 2026. Recent behind-the-scenes images from Mumbai sets have shown characters played by Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt in tense confrontations, suggesting the next chapter will focus on Hamza Mazhari's revenge arc and reveal the identity of the mysterious 'Bade Sahab'.
The film's unexpected popularity in Pakistan despite the official ban highlights the complex cultural dynamics between the two neighboring countries and demonstrates how entertainment can sometimes transcend political boundaries, even as it continues to spark intense debate and divided opinions among viewers on both sides of the border.
