Here’s a bold statement: a film banned from theaters in Pakistan has become the number one movie on Netflix in the very same country—and it’s sparking conversations everywhere. But here’s where it gets controversial: Dhurandhar, the spy-thriller starring Ranveer Singh, has not only topped Netflix charts in Pakistan but is also dominating screens in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and several other countries. And this is the part most people miss—despite not having a theatrical release in most of these regions, the film has shattered viewership records, leaving audiences curious and critics divided.
Let’s break it down. After a historic theatrical run in India, Dhurandhar landed on Netflix on January 30, 2026. Within just three days, it claimed the top spot in Pakistan, a country where it was never screened in cinemas. Why the frenzy? The film’s portrayal of Lyari and its mafia gangs has become a hot topic, fueling both fascination and debate. In fact, the Netflix Tudum data for the week of January 26 to February 1 confirms it as Pakistan’s most-watched film, outpacing even other Indian hits like Tere Ishk Mein and Haq.
Here’s the twist: While Dhurandhar sits comfortably at number one in Pakistan, it’s also the second most-watched film in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, poised to take the top spot soon. But that’s not all—it’s dominating in five other countries: Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Mauritius. The exception? Mauritius was the only country where it had a theatrical release. This raises a thought-provoking question: Is the film’s success a testament to its storytelling, or is it simply riding the wave of controversy and curiosity?
In India, the film’s OTT debut has been nothing short of phenomenal. With 7.6 million views in just three days, it’s broken records previously held by blockbusters like Animal, Fighter, and Pushpa 2 The Rule. Directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring a star-studded cast including Akhshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal, Dhurandhar has proven its mettle both on and off the big screen.
And now, the sequel is already making waves. Dhurandhar: The Revenge, set to release worldwide on March 19, has fans on the edge of their seats. The teaser, unveiled recently, hints at a gripping narrative centered around Hamza Ali Mazari’s quest for vengeance against deadly terror attacks on India. But will it live up to the hype? Only time will tell.
As the debate over Dhurandhar’s success continues, one thing is clear: this film has transcended borders, bans, and platforms to become a global phenomenon. What’s your take? Is Dhurandhar’s success a triumph of storytelling, or is it fueled by the very controversies it sparks? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
