Ranveer Singh’s espionage action spectacle Dhurandhar continues to rewrite success metrics for Indian cinema, proving that box office glory can seamlessly translate into streaming dominance. Months after its record-breaking theatrical run, the Aditya Dhar directorial is now creating waves across global OTT charts, particularly in the Gulf region where the film has sparked both massive viewership and regulatory controversy.
The film’s international digital momentum highlights the shifting global consumption pattern of Bollywood content. Even as theatrical access faced restrictions in several territories, Dhurandhar has demonstrated how streaming platforms are reshaping the reach and lifecycle of major cinematic releases.
Netflix Success Strengthens Global Popularity
Following its digital premiere on January 30, 2026, Dhurandhar quickly emerged as one of the most-watched non-English titles on Netflix worldwide. According to Netflix’s official rankings, the film registered 7.6 million views and accumulated over 26 million hours of viewing time within its first week on the platform.
The film has particularly dominated streaming charts across several Gulf territories. As per industry tracking data, the spy thriller secured the number one position on Netflix in markets including the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman. It has also continued to perform strongly in Pakistan and India, reinforcing its cross-border digital appeal.
The film’s streaming success is attributed to its high-octane narrative and mass appeal. The story follows an undercover Indian intelligence operative infiltrating Karachi’s criminal underworld to dismantle a terror network targeting India, a theme that has resonated with audiences globally.
Further strengthening its international popularity, the film has entered the Top 10 charts in over 20 countries and secured top rankings in multiple regions including Qatar and Mauritius, indicating widespread global traction for Indian commercial cinema.
(Also read: Jio Studio’s Dhurandhar The Revenge OTT Rights Reportedly Valued For Rs. 150 Crore By Jio Hotstar, Way More Than 85 Crore Price Of Dhurandhar Paid By Netflix)
Theatrical Ban In Gulf Countries Creates Distribution Paradox
Despite its digital triumph, Dhurandhar faced hurdles in Gulf during its theatrical rollout. The film was not permitted theatrical release in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait due to local certification and content regulations. The restrictions significantly limited its box office reach across the Gulf, a region traditionally known for its strong contribution to overseas revenue for Hindi films.
The controversy surrounding its geopolitical themes and sensitive narrative reportedly contributed to the theatrical ban in several Gulf territories. However, the OTT release has effectively bypassed these limitations, allowing audiences in those regions to access the film digitally.
Interestingly, the film’s theatrical restrictions did not impact its commercial success. Dhurandhar previously delivered a historic global box office performance, reportedly surpassing ₹1,300 crore worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time. The film, starred Ranveer Singh alongside Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan and Sara Arjun.
The film’s post-theatrical momentum has also generated excitement for its sequel. Dhurandhar: The Revenge is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026, further expanding the franchise’s cinematic universe.
With streaming platforms continuing to redefine distribution boundaries, Dhurandhar stands as a clear example of how digital ecosystems are helping Indian films overcome geographical restrictions while reaching wider global audiences.
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