Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar has emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025, crossing the Rs 1,000 crore mark at the global box office. However, despite its massive worldwide success, the Aditya Dhar-directed spy thriller failed to release in several Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman—leading to a significant overseas setback.According to the film’s overseas distributor Pranab Kapadia, the ban resulted in an estimated loss of nearly $10 million (around Rs 90 crore) from the Gulf market alone.“I think this is at least a ten-million-dollar box office that we have lost, because traditionally, action films have always performed very well in the Middle East,” Pranab told CNN-News18.
‘Action films traditionally do very well in the Middle East’
Highlighting the importance of the Gulf region for Indian action films, Pranab said the team had hoped for a release there, but ultimately had to respect regional regulations.“And therefore, we feel that it should have gotten a release. But, at the same time, we have to respect the views and the rules and regulations of every territory and every country, and they have their reasons,” he added.He also pointed out that Dhurandhar wasn’t the only Indian film to face such restrictions in recent times.“Fighter was also not released before this, and several others. So we, of course, made a full attempt at ensuring that we put our best foot forward for the release,” Pranab said, adding that the film still managed to connect strongly with audiences elsewhere.“But I think ultimately, the film has found its audience, if not in the Gulf, then elsewhere,” he noted.
December holidays soften the impact
Pranab further explained that the December holiday season helped soften the financial blow, as many Gulf-based viewers travelled abroad and caught the film overseas.“I know some of them who have travelled overseas. Especially in the month of December, they are on holiday,” he said.“So they have come from the Gulf to European countries or American soil, and they have actually enjoyed the film. Fortunately, the film was released at a time when, you know, almost the second half of December is a holiday period,” Pranab explained.He added, “So people are travelling abroad, and they are ensuring that one evening in their schedule is free to watch Dhurandhar.” Set in Karachi’s Lyari area, Dhurandhar features Ranveer Singh as an Indian spy infiltrating a Pakistani gang. The film also stars Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi and Sara Arjun in key roles. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is the first instalment of a planned two-part spy franchise and has sparked debate for its depiction of anti-terror operations and geopolitical tensions.
