The official ban on the Ranveer Singh-led blockbuster 'Dhurandhar' in Pakistan has spectacularly backfired, propelling the spy thriller to become the country's most pirated film to date. Despite being barred from cinemas, the film's popularity has soared through illegal channels, highlighting a massive disconnect between policy and public demand.
Unprecedented Piracy Numbers Defy Ban
According to reports from IANS, an estimated 2 million illegal downloads of 'Dhurandhar' were recorded in Pakistan within just the first two weeks of its global release. This staggering figure officially crowns the Aditya Dhar directorial as the most pirated film in Pakistan's history, surpassing previous record-holders like Rajinikanth's '2.0' and Shah Rukh Khan's 'Raees'. The ban, which also extends to some Gulf nations, has failed to curb audience curiosity, instead fueling a rampant piracy ecosystem.
Box Office Triumph Amidst Revenue Loss
The theatrical blackout in Pakistan is estimated to have caused a potential revenue loss of Rs 50 to 60 crore for the makers. However, this setback has been overwhelmingly countered by the film's phenomenal worldwide performance. 'Dhurandhar' has grossed over Rs 500 crore in India and added approximately Rs 140 crore from other international markets. Trade analysts predict the film's global collections will breach the Rs 700 crore mark by the end of its second week, cementing its status as a colossal commercial success.
How Pakistani Audiences Are Accessing The Film
The intense hype and political controversy surrounding the film have only amplified its allure for Pakistani viewers. Reports indicate that audiences are bypassing the ban using a variety of methods:
- Torrent websites and peer-to-peer sharing networks.
- Private Telegram channels and underground streaming links.
- VPN services to mask their location and access content hosted on servers in countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Malaysia.
The film has sparked lively debates on social media, with some Pakistani fans creating reels and memes, while others have critiqued its narrative or praised the performances of the star-studded cast.
Legal Troubles and Political Backlash
The controversy has entered the legal arena in Pakistan. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has filed a petition in a Karachi court objecting to the use of images of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in the film. The plea seeks the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the cast and crew of 'Dhurandhar', adding another layer of complexity to the film's cross-border reception.
Featuring Ranveer Singh as Indian intelligence officer Hamza on a mission in Pakistan's Lyari area, the film boasts an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. The saga of 'Dhurandhar' exemplifies how digital age realities often undermine traditional geo-political bans, turning them into catalysts for unprecedented underground popularity.
