‘Dhurandhar lost at least 10 million dollars,’ says overseas distributor due to ban in the Middle East

In the conversation with CNN-News18, Kapadia said, “I think this is at least a ten million dollar box office that we have lost, because traditionally action films have always performed very well in the Middle East. And therefore we feel that it should have gotten a a release. But, at the same time we have to respect the views and the rules and regulations of every territory and every country, and they have their reasons. We are not the first film where they have not given a release. Fighter also was not released before this, and several others. So we of course made a full attempt at ensuring that we put our best foot forward for the release. But I think ultimately, the film has found its audience, if not in the Gulf, then elsewhere.”

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Pranab Kapadia further highlighted how the holiday season worked in Dhurandhar’s favour, with several viewers travelling across and beyond to watch the film. He said, “I know some of them, who have travelled overseas. Especially in the month of December, they are on holiday. So they have come from the Gulf to European countries or American soil, and they have actually enjoyed the film. Because fortunately, the film has released at a time when, you know, almost the second half of December is a holiday period. So people are travelling abroad, and they are ensuring that one evening in their schedule is free to watch Dhurandhar.”

Dhurandhar is a two-part spy actioner directed by Aditya Dhar. The first part chronicles the underworld scene in Karachi’s Lyari town and features a strong ensemble cast led by Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, and Sara Arjun. The second part of the film is scheduled for an Eid 2026 release.