Dhurandhar Banned In Middle East: PM Narendra Modi Urged To Intervene Over Gulf Nations' Decision

Dhurandhar,

Ranveer Singh's record-smashing spy thriller, has become the talk of the town not just for its box office prowess but for a major release controversy overseas, prompting Indian producers to seek help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) has formally written to the PM, urging him to step in after the film was banned across key Middle Eastern markets including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. This move comes as the blockbuster continues to make history in India and other territories, even without access to these lucrative Gulf screens, and the industry is keen to see the film find a global audience everywhere.

Producers Appeal For Diplomatic Support

In their letter, IMPPA described the ban as 'unilateral and uncalled for,' arguing that the action curtails the freedom of expression of the film's makers and hinders its commercial reach. They highlighted that Dhurandhar was fully certified by the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) before its theatrical release, and questioned why friendly nations with strong cultural and business ties to India would block its screening. The association's plea noted that India conducts 'regular business with them across multiple sectors' and appealed for diplomatic engagement to ensure freedom of artistic expression is respected and the ban is lifted swiftly.

IMPPA President Abhay Sinha emphasised in the appeal that the matter is of significant importance to the film industry, asking the government to use all channels available to communicate with the concerned authorities and secure a change in position at the earliest.

Dhurandhar's Commercial And Cultural Impact

Despite the setback in Gulf nations, Dhurandhar has been nothing short of a commercial juggernaut since its release on December 5, 2025. Directed by Aditya Dhar and led by Ranveer Singh, the film has crossed major box office milestones, entering the Rs 1,200 crore club worldwide and claiming the title of the highest-grossing Hindi film in India with over Rs 831 crore net domestically. Its global gross is nearing Rs 1,300 crore, a remarkable feat achieved without a sanctioned Gulf release, which traditionally contributes significantly to overseas revenue for Indian action films.Industry insiders note that the Middle East ban likely cost the film an estimated $10 million in potential box office earnings, underlining how crucial the region is for Bollywood's global footprint. Even with this loss, Dhurandhar's performance in markets like North America and within India underscores its wide appeal and strong word-of-mouth.