Dhurandhar Dominates Netflix in UAE, Bahrain, and Oman; Makes Waves in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait After Theatrical Ban
Ranveer Singh’s latest film, Dhurandhar, is making waves on Netflix, achieving impressive viewership across multiple countries despite facing significant theatrical restrictions in the Gulf region. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film has climbed to the top of Netflix’s charts in territories such as India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE. This success underscores the film’s strong appeal and resilience in the digital space following its theatrical release.
Streaming Success Across Borders
*Dhurandhar* has emerged as a streaming sensation, recently securing the No. 1 position on Netflix in Pakistan during the tracking period from January 26 to February 1. The film’s popularity extends beyond Pakistan, as it has also claimed the top spot in several other markets, showcasing its broad international appeal. In regions where the film faced theatrical bans, such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, it still managed to rank prominently, coming in at No. 7 and No. 3, respectively. This indicates a significant level of viewer interest, even in areas where the film was not allowed to be screened in cinemas. However, data for Qatar remains unavailable, leaving its exact standing in that market uncertain.
Theatrical Challenges in the Gulf
The film’s success on streaming platforms stands in stark contrast to its challenges in the Middle East. *Dhurandhar* was banned in all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—due to concerns over its geopolitical themes. The film, which follows an undercover RAW agent, was denied theatrical certification after authorities flagged its portrayal of Pakistan as sensitive. This ban significantly curtailed the film’s theatrical reach in a region that is traditionally vital for Hindi cinema. Despite these setbacks, *Dhurandhar* has continued to perform well in India and select international markets, finding a renewed audience through its digital release.
Release and Future Prospects
*Dhurandhar* premiered in theaters on December 5, 2025, and made its Netflix debut on January 30, 2026, while still running in select cinemas. The film’s strong performance on streaming platforms coincides with the announcement of its sequel, *Dhurandhar: The Revenge*. The teaser and poster for the sequel were recently unveiled, confirming a release date of March 19, 2026. Directed once again by Aditya Dhar, the sequel is expected to face competition at the box office from Yash’s highly anticipated film, *Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown Ups*.
Record-Breaking OTT Rights
In addition to its streaming success, reports indicate that the OTT rights for *Dhurandhar 2* have skyrocketed to Rs. 150 crore, marking another milestone for Ranveer Singh and the film’s production team. This record-setting deal highlights the growing demand for content in the digital space and the film’s potential to continue captivating audiences. As the film industry evolves, *Dhurandhar* exemplifies how streaming platforms can provide a lifeline for films facing challenges in traditional theatrical releases.
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