Amid theatrical ban, Dhurandhar trends at no 1 on Netflix Pakistan

After enjoying a blockbuster run at the box office, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, starring Ranveer Singh, has quickly become a phenomenon online as soon as it was released on OTT. But not just India, the film has been making waves in the neighbouring country too, where its theatrical release was banned. The film was released digitally on Friday, January 30, on Netflix. Now, a few screenshots on social media claim that it is trending on Netflix Pakistan. 

Dhurandhar trends at No 1 in Pakistan

The film’s popularity in Pakistan comes after it lost significant box office revenue in the Middle East and Pakistan due to the ban, despite grossing over Rs 33 million overseas. Notably, it became the second-highest-grossing Bollywood film worldwide with Rs 1,300 crore.

Screenshots surfacing on social media confirmed Dhurandhar`s number one ranking on Netflix Pakistan, taking the lead over other Bollywood releases such as Tere Ishk Mein, Haq, and The Big Fake. A Hindustan Times report claims that the film has maintained its top spot since at least Saturday. Interestingly, the film had also become the most pirated film in Pakistan upon its release after being banned in the country.

Dhurandhar follows the story of an Indian spy who infiltrates gangs in Lyari, Karachi, as part of India’s efforts against terror.

Pakistanis review Dhurandhar

Similarly, online forums and social media platforms have been witnessing positive responses from Pakistani viewers. One review on Reddit read, “As a Pakistani, it`s the best ever Bollywood movie I ever watched. First time I saw a film where actual research has been done and there`s no use of `adaab` `janaab` surma kajal topi and vest to show Pakistanis. And thank you for showing a political party linked to crimes (I won`t take the name you guys will get it as it`s mentioned in movie) and exposing them. I have high expectations from part 2 BUT PLEASE PLEASE LET CHAUDHARY ASLAM BE A POSITIVE CHARACTER IT`S MY REQUEST HE WAS NOT A NEGATIVE CHARACTER. Fantastic movie, casting, shooting, story everything`s on point.”

Another Pakistani commented, "I`m Pakistani and I love Dhurandhar. Yall gotta stop creating this narrative that we hate you guys and vice versa. It’s all love from my side. Don’t be rude." Several other Pakistani viewers also expressed their wish to watch the movie multiple times.

One user even wrote, "The movie actually portrayed Pakistan well (the weapon gangs and politics) and sprinkled opinion politics on India. There`s nothing against Pakistan people in the movie. But so much against Indian people lol. Excellent movie. Share the same opinion as Kashyap on the movie."