Ranveer Singh's latest film, "Dhurandhar," has emerged as a digital blockbuster, garnering significant viewership on OTT platforms worldwide. Despite facing theatrical restrictions in crucial Middle Eastern regions, the Aditya Dhar directorial has achieved sustained post-theatrical momentum, consistently topping Netflix charts across numerous territories.
Dhurandhar's Unstoppable Global Streaming Performance
The film's impressive digital run highlights its broad appeal, even in markets where its theatrical release was not possible:
• "Dhurandhar" is currently trending at No. 1 on Netflix in multiple countries, including India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE.
• During the January 26–February 1 tracking period, the film debuted at the top spot in Pakistan.
• In Gulf regions where a theatrical ban was in place, the film still charted prominently, securing the No. 7 position in Saudi Arabia and No. 3 in Kuwait, indicating substantial viewer interest.
Overcoming Theatrical Hurdles in the Middle East
The OTT success of "Dhurandhar" stands in stark contrast to the challenges it faced during its theatrical run in the Middle East. The film was controversially banned across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This ban stemmed from objections raised over its geopolitical themes, with regional authorities reportedly flagging its portrayal of Pakistan as sensitive within the narrative centered on an undercover RAW agent.
Digital Release Paves the Way for Renewed Audience Engagement
The theatrical ban significantly limited the film's reach in Middle Eastern markets, traditionally vital for Hindi cinema. However, "Dhurandhar" continued to perform steadily in India and select international territories. Its digital premiere on Netflix on January 30, 2026, while still continuing its theatrical run in some markets, provided a critical avenue for new audiences. This demonstrates how streaming platforms offer different regulatory landscapes compared to cinema releases, allowing the film to find a renewed and expanded viewer base.
Anticipation Builds for Dhurandhar: The Revenge
The film's strong streaming performance coincides with exciting developments for its future. The makers recently announced a sequel, "Dhurandhar: The Revenge," unveiling a teaser and poster that confirm a March 19, 2026 release date. Directed once again by Aditya Dhar, the sequel is set to clash at the box office with Yash's highly anticipated film, "Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown Ups." Furthermore, reports suggest that the OTT rights for "Dhurandhar 2" have soared to a staggering Rs. 150 crore, marking another significant record for Ranveer Singh and further solidifying the franchise's digital power.
