Bollywood Blockbuster “Dhurandhar” Continues to Dominate OTT Platforms Worldwide Despite Theatrical Restrictions
The recent release of Ranveer Singh starring “Dhurandhar” has demonstrated the incredible staying power of Bollywood films on digital streaming platforms, especially OTT giants like Netflix. Despite facing hurdles in traditional theatrical circuits, particularly in Middle Eastern markets, the film has amassed a global following on OTT, reaffirming the growing influence of Bollywood cinema beyond borders.
From Theaters to Streaming: A New Chapter for Bollywood Films
“Dhurandhar,” directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Aditya Dhar, premiered in theaters on December 5, 2025. However, it was its subsequent digital release on Netflix on January 30, 2026, that truly propelled the film into international stardom. As of the latest weekly rankings, the film is currently trending at the top position across multiple territories, including India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE. This remarkable feat highlights the shifting landscape of Bollywood’s distribution, where streaming platforms are becoming the primary avenue for reaching audiences worldwide.
The film’s success on OTT platforms underscores a broader trend within the Indian entertainment industry, where digital consumption has surged, especially amid evolving viewer preferences and regulatory challenges faced in certain regions. Streaming services like Netflix are now pivotal in ensuring Bollywood movies reach audiences who might otherwise be restricted from theatrical viewing due to local censorship policies or logistical limitations.
Regional Success and the Power of Streaming in Restrictive Markets
While “Dhurandhar” faced significant theatrical barriers in the Middle East, its digital journey tells a different story. Notably, the film secured the No. 1 spot in Pakistan during the January 26–February 1 tracking period, a testament to its popularity in South Asian markets. Additionally, it has maintained high rankings in Gulf countries such as Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait—regions where theatrical release was either limited or outright banned.
In Saudi Arabia, “Dhurandhar” currently ranks at No. 7, while in Kuwait, it’s positioned at No. 3. These rankings reflect strong viewer engagement, despite the initial restrictions and regional sensitivities surrounding its geopolitical themes. Unfortunately, Netflix viewing data for Qatar remains unavailable, leaving some uncertainty about its exact standing there. Nevertheless, the film’s widespread appeal across these territories demonstrates how OTT platforms are reshaping the reach of Bollywood movies, allowing them to bypass traditional censorship hurdles and connect with diverse audiences.
Controversy and Censorship: The Middle Eastern Challenge
“Dhurandhar” faced substantial challenges in the Middle East, where it was banned across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—namely the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The primary reason for these bans was the film’s portrayal of sensitive geopolitical themes, especially its depiction of Pakistan and its focus on an undercover RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) agent. Such representations sparked objections from regional authorities, who deemed the content politically sensitive and potentially provocative.
The ban significantly limited the film’s theatrical exposure in these markets, regions historically considered crucial for Bollywood’s global expansion. Yet, despite these restrictions, “Dhurandhar” found a second life on digital platforms, where regulatory oversight is less stringent. This shift underscores a vital insight for Bollywood filmmakers: digital streaming can serve as an effective alternative channel for delivering content that might face censorship in traditional cinemas.
The Impact of Digital Platforms on Bollywood’s Global Footprint
The successful OTT run of “Dhurandhar” exemplifies how streaming services are democratizing access to Bollywood content. Instead of relying solely on theatrical releases, which are often susceptible to regional censorship and logistical limitations, filmmakers are increasingly leveraging digital platforms to reach a wider, more diverse audience.
Moreover, the film’s theatrical run, which continued in select markets, complemented its digital success, creating a hybrid model that maximizes viewership and revenue. The film’s release strategy reflects a larger industry trend where Bollywood movies are increasingly designed for multi-platform consumption, catering to the tastes of global audiences hungry for authentic Indian stories.
Exciting Sequel and Future Prospects
The remarkable performance of “Dhurandhar” on OTT platforms has paved the way for its sequel, titled “Dhurandhar: The Revenge”. The makers recently unveiled an intriguing teaser and poster, confirming a scheduled release date of March 19, 2026. This upcoming installment is highly anticipated within Bollywood circles and among international fans, especially since it continues to explore complex geopolitical themes with a fresh narrative approach.
Aditya Dhar, returning as director, promises to deliver another compelling story, further cementing the franchise’s place in Bollywood’s evolving cinematic universe. The sequel’s release will coincide with a highly anticipated clash at the box office, competing with Yash’s new blockbuster, “Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups”. This rivalry is expected to generate significant buzz, highlighting Bollywood’s vibrant landscape of star-powered, high-stakes filmmaking.
Bollywood’s Growing Global Influence and Streaming Dominance
The success story of “Dhurandhar” exemplifies the transformative power of Bollywood within the global entertainment industry. As Indian cinema continues to expand its reach beyond traditional markets, digital platforms like Netflix are playing an increasingly pivotal role. They not only provide a platform for films that face regional restrictions but also enable Bollywood to tap into the growing diaspora and international audiences eager for authentic Indian stories.
In recent years, Bollywood has seen a surge in international popularity, driven by compelling storytelling, high production values, and star power. The ability to access films via OTT means audiences worldwide can enjoy Bollywood’s rich cinematic tradition without geographical barriers. This democratization of content is accelerating the genre’s global footprint, positioning Bollywood as a dominant force in the world of entertainment.
Conclusion: Bollywood’s Bright Future on OTT Platforms
The ongoing success of “Dhurandhar” on Netflix is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Bollywood cinema in a rapidly changing media landscape. Despite facing restrictions in certain regions, the film’s digital dominance underscores the importance of OTT platforms in shaping the future of Indian film distribution. As Bollywood continues to innovate and reach new audiences worldwide, the industry’s reliance on streaming services is likely to grow, opening new avenues for storytelling and cultural exchange.
With the upcoming release of “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” fans and critics alike are eager to see how this franchise evolves and how Bollywood continues to influence global pop culture. As the lines between traditional cinema and digital streaming blur, Bollywood’s vibrant, diverse, and compelling stories are poised to captivate audiences across the globe for years to come.
