Source TOI
MUMBAI / KARACHI — In a startling turn of events, Aditya Dhar’s high-octane spy thriller Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, has officially become the most pirated film in Pakistan. Despite being banned by the Pakistani government and several Gulf nations due to its sensitive geopolitical narrative, the film has seen an unprecedented surge in illegal viewership, surpassing the piracy records previously held by Rajinikanth’s 2.0 and Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees.
According to reports from industry trackers and news agency IANS, Dhurandhar recorded an estimated 2 million illegal downloads within just two weeks of its release. The ban, intended to restrict the film’s “anti-Pakistan” content, appears to have backfired, instead fueling a massive wave of curiosity across the border.
Breaking the “Piracy” Box Office
The film’s climb to the top of the piracy charts marks a significant cultural moment. For years, Rajinikanth’s sci-fi epic 2.0 and Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees (which also faced release hurdles in Pakistan) were the most sought-after Indian titles on the grey market. However, Dhurandhar has eclipsed them both in a fraction of the time.
Reports suggest that viewers in Pakistan are accessing the film via:
Encrypted Telegram channels and dedicated piracy groups.
VPN services to bypass local ISP blocks on torrent sites.
Mirror servers allegedly hosted in third-party countries like Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
A Global Box Office Juggernaut
While the film is being watched for free in Pakistan, it is breaking legitimate records elsewhere. As of December 18, 2025, Dhurandhar has grossed over ₹524 crore in India and crossed the ₹700 crore mark at the worldwide box office.
The film’s success is being attributed to its gritty portrayal of real-life intelligence operations and the intense performances of its lead cast, including Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt. Interestingly, even in Pakistan, social media is divided; while many have criticized the film’s narrative, others have taken to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to praise the acting and technical craft through leaked clips and memes.
The “Dhar” Effect
Director Aditya Dhar, who previously helmed the blockbuster Uri: The Surgical Strike, seems to have struck gold again with his “espionage-verse.” Trade analysts estimate that the ban in Pakistan and the Gulf has resulted in a potential revenue loss of ₹50–60 crore, but the sheer “viral” nature of the film has more than compensated through heightened interest in other international markets.
As Dhurandhar continues its record-breaking run, it remains a focal point of intense debate regarding cinema, censorship, and the digital age’s ability to bypass national borders.
