Dhurandhar, the blockbuster Indian spy thriller starring Ranveer Singh, has achieved an unexpected milestone by trending at #1 on Netflix in Pakistan, despite never receiving a theatrical release in the country.
The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, became available on Netflix globally on January 30, nearly eight weeks after its theatrical debut. Within days of its OTT release, screenshots circulating on social media confirmed that Dhurandhar had surpassed several popular titles to claim the top spot in Netflix Pakistan’s film rankings. Hindustan Times independently verified that the film has held the #1 position since at least Saturday.
Strong Overseas Performance Despite Restrictions
Although Dhurandhar was not released theatrically in Pakistan and parts of the Middle East due to long-standing restrictions on Indian films, it still delivered an impressive overseas box office performance, earning over $33 million internationally. Industry distributors previously estimated a potential $10 million revenue loss because of the non-release in these markets—an assessment that now appears credible given the film’s digital success in Pakistan.
Positive Reception from Pakistani Viewers
Following its Netflix release, Dhurandhar has generated widespread discussion and overwhelmingly positive reactions from Pakistani audiences. Many viewers praised the film for its research-driven storytelling, nuanced portrayal of real events, and avoidance of cultural stereotypes.
One widely shared Reddit review stated that the film stood out for its authentic depiction of Pakistani society and political realities, while another viewer highlighted that the narrative does not target ordinary people but instead focuses on criminal networks and power structures. Several users also emphasized that the film critiques political systems on both sides, making it more balanced than typical spy thrillers.
Importantly, many viewers expressed that Dhurandhar does not demonize Pakistan or its people, instead presenting a layered narrative that resonated across borders. Calls for repeat viewings and high expectations for the sequel were common themes across social media discussions.
About the Film
Dhurandhar is a high-octane spy thriller that follows an Indian intelligence officer infiltrating criminal gangs in Lyari, Pakistan, blending fictional storytelling with real-world incidents. The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role, alongside Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal.
The film has grossed approximately ₹1300 crore worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time. A sequel is officially scheduled for release on March 19.
