Bollywood Sensation Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ Dominates OTT Platforms Despite Regional Theatrical Restrictions
In a remarkable display of digital success, the Bollywood blockbuster ‘Dhurandhar’, starring the charismatic Ranveer Singh, continues to captivate audiences across the globe through streaming platforms, particularly Netflix. Despite facing considerable limitations in traditional theatres within several key regions, the film has demonstrated robust viewership numbers, underscoring the shifting landscape of film consumption in the digital era.
Strong Streaming Performance Across Borders
Since its debut on Netflix, ‘Dhurandhar’ has risen swiftly to become a top-ranking film in multiple territories, including India, Pakistan, and several Middle Eastern countries. The film’s popularity is evidenced by its position at the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s weekly charts in India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Such consistent performance highlights an impressive post-theatrical momentum, particularly in regions where traditional cinema releases faced hurdles or were outright blocked.
According to the latest data released by Netflix, ‘Dhurandhar’ first debuted at the top of the charts in Pakistan during the week of January 26 to February 1. The film’s success in Pakistan is noteworthy, considering the complex geopolitical sensitivities that often influence entertainment content in the region. Its ability to resonate with viewers across borders underscores the universal appeal of Bollywood cinema, especially when paired with compelling storytelling and a star like Ranveer Singh.
Expanding Reach in the Gulf and Middle East
While ‘Dhurandhar’ faced significant obstacles in the Middle Eastern market, its streaming numbers tell a different story. In regions like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, where the film did not receive theatrical clearance, it still managed to secure impressive rankings on Netflix—currently holding the No. 7 position in Saudi Arabia and No. 3 in Kuwait. These figures reflect a growing appetite for Bollywood films in the Gulf, even when theatrical releases are restricted due to regional cultural or geopolitical considerations.
Interestingly, the film’s popularity extends to other Gulf countries, despite the absence of official data from Qatar, where Netflix has yet to publish viewing figures. This situation points to a broader trend: digital streaming platforms are increasingly becoming the preferred avenue for audiences in regions where theatrical viewings are limited or banned. The convenience of watching at home, coupled with the availability of diverse Bollywood content, has transformed the entertainment landscape in these markets.
Overcoming Theatrical Barriers: A Shift in Bollywood’s Global Strategy
The journey of ‘Dhurandhar’ illustrates a significant shift in how Bollywood movies are reaching international audiences. The film was officially released in theatres on December 5, 2025, but its theatrical journey was marred by regional restrictions. The film was banned across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—namely the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—primarily due to sensitivities surrounding its geopolitical themes. The storyline, centered around an undercover RAW agent and its depiction of Pakistan, was deemed controversial by regional authorities who cited concerns over national security and diplomatic sensitivities.
As a result, the film’s theatrical distribution in these markets was severely curtailed, limiting its commercial potential in territories that are traditionally vital markets for Hindi cinema. Despite these restrictions, ‘Dhurandhar’ continued to perform well domestically in India and found a dedicated international audience through digital platforms. This underscores an important trend: the growing importance of OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms as alternative channels for Bollywood films, especially when theatrical releases are hindered by regional policies.
From Theatres to Streaming: A New Chapter for ‘Dhurandhar’
Since its theatrical release, ‘Dhurandhar’ has experienced a second wave of success on Netflix, where it premiered on January 30, 2026. The film continues to be screened in select markets that permitted its theatrical run, but its digital presence is what truly amplifies its reach. The film’s increasing popularity on Netflix is a testament to changing consumer preferences, with audiences increasingly favoring the convenience and safety of streaming at home.
Furthermore, the film’s success has fueled excitement about its upcoming sequel, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’. The makers recently unveiled an enticing teaser and a striking poster, confirming a release date set for March 19, 2026. The sequel is highly anticipated, especially since it will be competing at the box office with Yash’s much-anticipated film Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown Ups. This rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement for Bollywood fans eager to see how the story unfolds in this new chapter.
Bollywood’s Growing Global Footprint
The sustained success of ‘Dhurandhar’ on OTT platforms highlights the expanding footprint of Bollywood on the global stage. As Indian cinema continues to evolve and adapt to changing distribution models, films like ‘Dhurandhar’ exemplify how digital streaming is opening doors to new markets and audiences. The film’s ability to chart high rankings in diverse regions—despite regional bans—also demonstrates the power of Bollywood’s storytelling and star power to transcend borders.
Moreover, the film’s popularity underscores the importance of digital rights and streaming deals in bollywood’s international strategy. Recent reports indicate that the OTT rights for ‘Dhurandhar’ have fetched an astonishing Rs. 150 crore, setting new records for Ranveer Singh and further emphasizing Bollywood’s lucrative and competitive digital marketplace.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Bollywood Films on OTT
The case of ‘Dhurandhar’ exemplifies how modern Bollywood productions are increasingly leveraging OTT platforms to reach audiences worldwide, especially in regions where theatrical releases face hurdles due to geopolitical sensitivities or cultural restrictions. As Bollywood continues to grow its global influence, digital platforms like Netflix, Hotstar, and JioCinema are becoming indispensable partners in delivering entertainment that resonates across borders.
With upcoming projects, high-profile sequels, and the ongoing rise of streaming viewership, Bollywood’s future looks brighter than ever. The success story of ‘Dhurandhar’ not only highlights the power of star-driven narratives but also marks a new chapter in how Indian cinema is navigating the complex landscape of regional sensitivities and global markets.
As the industry adapts and innovates, one thing remains clear: Bollywood’s rich storytelling tradition continues to enchant audiences worldwide, with OTT platforms serving as the new frontier for cinematic excellence and cultural exchange.
