From Cheers to Controversy: How India Is Reacting to Dhurandhar

The spy‑thriller Dhurandhar — starring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal — has become one of the most talked‑about films in India in late 2025, generating a mix of praise, debate, and controversy across the nation and beyond.

Many Indian audiences have praised the film’s high‑octane action, emotional depth, and powerhouse performances — particularly Ranveer Singh’s intense portrayal of a man drawn into a covert mission. Social media platforms like X and Reddit are full of viewers calling it “one of Ranveer’s best” and applauding the film’s storytelling and scale.

Political Debate and Mixed Reactions

However, Dhurandhar hasn’t escaped sharp debates. Some critics and viewers argue that the movie carries a political tone that borders on propaganda, leading to differing interpretations about its depiction of real‑world themes. Discussions online reveal a split audience — with some applauding its patriotic flavour, and others questioning whether the film crosses into controversial territory.

Box Office Success

Despite mixed critical reactions, Dhurandhar has been a commercial hit at the box office. The film crossed the ₹200‑crore net mark in India within its first week, and has gone on to earn over ₹300 crore globally, making it one of this year’s biggest Bollywood earners. On the international front, it also broke records in North America by crossing the USD 5 million mark, placing it among the top overseas Bollywood hits of 2025.

Ban in Gulf Countries

One of the most talked‑about developments has been the movie’s ban in several Gulf nations. Dhurandhar has been blocked from release in six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — reportedly because authorities considered its content anti‑Pakistan or politically sensitive.

This restriction has sparked further discussion among Indians online. Some viewers see the ban as proof of the film’s powerful geopolitical narrative, while others feel it highlights how art and politics intersect in international markets where diplomatic sensitivities run high.

What This Reaction Says About Indian Audiences

Overall, Dhurandhar has achieved more than strong box office numbers — it has sparked meaningful conversation across India’s film community, news media, and social platforms. From accolades for performance and storytelling to debates about political messaging and international bans, the reactions reflect how modern Indian cinema does more than entertain — it ignites dialogue about culture, identity, and global perceptions.

For more such Stories, follow https://thenowindia.in and https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-mentor-in/