Gulf States Block Bollywood Release
All six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have banned the screening of the recently released Bollywood film Dhurandhar, halting its distribution across cinemas in the region.
According to reports, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar refused classification for the film. Without an official rating, cinemas are legally barred from screening it.
The ban comes as the movie continues its commercial run in India, where it opened nationwide on 5 December 2025.
Why the Film Was Blocked
Regional censorship authorities said the film includes an anti-Pakistan narrative. They also highlighted scenes described as politically and culturally sensitive within the Gulf’s social environment.
Pakistan maintains strong political ties with many Gulf states. Additionally, millions of Pakistani expatriates live and work in the region. Because of these demographic and diplomatic dynamics, Gulf censors often take a stricter approach to films that portray Pakistan negatively or that touch on delicate geopolitical disputes.
In past years, several Indian productions with similar themes faced delays or were edited before release in the Gulf. Officials say the aim is to avoid content that may aggravate regional tensions or misrepresent sensitive political events.
A Film Inspired by Real Events
Dhurandhar is directed by Aditya Dhar, known for large-scale political thrillers. The cast includes major Bollywood names such as Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal.
The storyline draws inspiration from several high-profile events in recent Indian history. These include:
the 1999 Indian Airlines aircraft hijacking
the 2014 attack on the Indian Parliament
other political developments involving alleged underworld networks linked to Pakistan
These references form the core of the GCC’s objections. Regional censors argue that the narrative presents one-sided political interpretations that could be inflammatory in a diverse Gulf audience.
A Commercial Success at Home — But Future Global Earnings Uncertain
Despite the ban, Dhurandhar has performed strongly at the Indian box office. In its first six days, it reportedly earned ₹188.60 crore (around USD 22.6 million) domestically. Overseas, the film made ₹44.08 crore in its initial four-day release window.
However, the absence of the Gulf market may significantly reduce its international earnings. The region has long been one of Bollywood’s most reliable overseas destinations. Major Indian releases often earn between 10% and 20% of their international box-office revenue from Gulf cinemas.
Over the past decade, the GCC has become a key market for Hindi films due to its large South Asian population, extensive cinema infrastructure, and consistent audience turnout. A ban from all six countries therefore represents a substantial commercial setback.
Broader Context: Cinema, Diplomacy and Censorship
The Gulf’s approach to film censorship often reflects the region’s diplomatic priorities. While censorship rules vary between countries, political neutrality remains a common standard. Content seen as destabilizing or harmful to community cohesion frequently faces restrictions.
The Dhurandhar ban also highlights the ongoing tension between creative expression in Indian cinema and the geopolitical sensitivities of its neighbouring states. Bollywood frequently uses real events as inspiration, but such portrayals can prompt objections when narratives appear to place blame on specific countries or communities.
The film has also faced criticism within Pakistan, where commentators argue that Dhurandhar misrepresents Karachi’s social landscape and Baloch cultural identity. A detailed breakdown of this reaction can be found here: Dhurandhar Sparks Outrage Over Misrepresentation of Karachi and Baloch Culture
Moreover, growing regional populations from South Asia mean films can influence public opinion. This makes governments more cautious about screening content that may stir controversy.
What Happens Next?
There is no indication that the GCC countries will reconsider the ban. In past cases, filmmakers have sometimes offered edited versions to meet censorship requirements. For now, however, distributors have not announced any plans to submit a revised cut.
As the film continues its domestic run, analysts say the ban will likely become part of a broader debate about political storytelling in South Asian cinema — and how global markets respond when art intersects with geopolitics.
