The record-shattering run of the spy action film Dhurandhar at the global box office has been shadowed by a significant financial setback. The movie's overseas distributor has revealed that a ban across several Middle Eastern countries resulted in a loss of at least ten million dollars in potential revenue.
A Lucrative Market Left Untapped
In a candid conversation with CNN-News18, the film's overseas distributor, Pranab Kapadia, laid bare the impact of the censorship. He stated that the action genre traditionally performs exceptionally well in the Gulf region, making the ban a substantial blow. Kapadia emphasized that while the team made every effort to secure a release, they respect the local regulations of each territory.
"We are not the first film where they have not given a release. Fighter also was not released before this, and several others," Kapadia noted, contextualizing the decision within a broader pattern. Despite this, the film's global appeal remained undimmed.
Holiday Travel and Global Audiences
Interestingly, the December holiday season played a crucial role in mitigating some of the losses. Kapadia highlighted a unique trend where audiences from the Gulf region, traveling to Europe or the United States for vacations, made it a point to watch Dhurandhar abroad.
"They have actually enjoyed the film. Because fortunately, the film has released at a time when... the second half of December is a holiday period. So people are travelling abroad, and they are ensuring that one evening in their schedule is free to watch Dhurandhar," he explained. This cross-border viewership underscored the film's strong pull.
Historic Performance Despite the Ban
The financial loss, while considerable, has not stopped Dhurandhar from scripting history. The Ranveer Singh-led film has stormed past the Rs 1,000 crore mark worldwide and is swiftly approaching the Rs 1,100 crore club. Its domestic collections continue to break records, and its overseas performance in released markets shows no signs of slowing down.
Directed by Aditya Dhar, the two-part spy thriller features an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R Madhavan. The first part delves into the underworld of Karachi's Lyari town. With its massive success, anticipation is already soaring for the second part, which is scheduled for an Eid 2026 release.
The case of Dhurandhar highlights the complex interplay between cinematic content, regional censorship, and global box office dynamics, proving that even a blockbuster can face unforeseen hurdles in its path to commercial glory.
