How Did Pakistan’s Ban Fail? Dhurandhar Becomes an Underground Sensation!
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Synopsis
The ban on Dhurandhar by Pakistan and Gulf nations has backfired spectacularly, as the film thrives at the box office with millions of illegal downloads. This situation raises questions about the ISI's control over digital spaces and highlights India's psychological victory despite the ban.
Key Takeaways
- Dhurandhar defies the ban with significant box office success.
- Over 2 million illegal downloads indicate high public curiosity.
- The film has become a symbol of India's narrative against terrorism.
- Pakistan's attempts to suppress the movie have been ineffective.
- Social media is abuzz with memes and discussions about the film.
New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) The prohibition of Dhurandhar in Pakistan and several Gulf countries has not hindered its success at the box office. The film continues to thrive without any indication of a decline, while the ISI faces a significant challenge back in Pakistan.
The film, which narrates the events surrounding the 1999 Khandahar hijacking, the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, and the Lyari gang conflicts, has not been well-received by the Pakistani authorities, who have made numerous attempts to suppress it. However, they have utterly failed to control the digital landscape, and efforts to enforce a blackout have proven futile.
In just two weeks, there have been approximately 2 million illegal downloads of the film reported in Pakistan. It has become the most pirated movie in the country, surpassing 2.0 and Raees. While the ban may have led to a financial hit of Rs 50-60 crore for the filmmakers, the film has successfully communicated a message about Pakistan’s status as a terror state.
Despite their indifference towards their country’s portrayal, this situation represents a psychological victory for India, which has managed to disseminate its message despite the film’s prohibition. The portrayal of Lyari has particularly irked the authorities, prompting them to expedite the production of a film that presents a more favorable view of the area.
“The Indian film Dhurandhar is yet another instance of negative propaganda from the Indian film industry against Pakistan, especially aimed at Lyari. Lyari embodies culture, peace, talent, and resilience, not violence. Next month, Mera Lyari will debut, showcasing the true essence of Lyari: peace, prosperity, and pride. #MeraLyari,” stated Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh's Senior Provincial Minister for Information, on X.
Despite the ISI's surveillance of internet activity related to the film, they have completely failed to regain control. Torrents and piracy links are rampant, allowing users to download the movie freely.
Experts from the Dark Web within the country are utilizing servers in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Malaysia to facilitate illegal downloads of the film by Pakistani viewers. The film is being accessed through Telegram channels, underground streaming services, and VPNs. The fact that it has become the most pirated movie thus far underscores the ISI's ineffectiveness in managing the situation, with all efforts to eliminate the film falling short.
Officials indicate that the spike in downloads reflects a growing curiosity among the Pakistani populace regarding the film.
While some may disagree with the narrative, many appreciate the performances in the movie, leading to the creation of numerous reels and memes on social media.
Social media accounts linked to both the ISI and ISPR have been circulating brief clips from the film to ridicule the narrative established by India, attempting to distort the content with misleading narratives against India.
Agencies report that ISI-associated social media accounts are trying to manipulate the film's content to align with their local narrative. Experts suggest that the rush to release Mera Lyari in January, coupled with the ISI's desperate attempts to counter the film, indicates a defensive posture from Pakistan.
The increasing curiosity surrounding the film, alongside its rapid illegal downloads, only suggests that the ISI's actions have been ineffective, as highlighted by experts.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has also initiated a legal challenge in a Karachi court regarding the use of images of the late Benazir Bhutto in the film, seeking an FIR against the cast and crew of Dhurandhar.
The film stars Ranveer Singh as Hamza, an Indian spy who infiltrates Pakistan's Lyari to dismantle ISI-backed terror networks. The cast also features Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi.
Point of View
Our perspective aligns with the nation’s ethos. The success of Dhurandhar despite its ban is not just a cinematic triumph but also a testament to the resilience of narratives that challenge established norms. While reactions may vary, the film's impact on public discourse is undeniable, highlighting the complexities of regional narratives.
NationPress
22/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dhurandhar about?
Dhurandhar narrates the events surrounding the 1999 Khandahar hijacking, the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, and the Lyari gang conflicts.
Why was Dhurandhar banned in Pakistan?
The film was banned as it was perceived to portray Pakistan negatively, particularly regarding terrorism and gang violence.
How has the film performed despite the ban?
Despite the ban, Dhurandhar has experienced immense success, with over 2 million illegal downloads reported in Pakistan alone.
Who stars in Dhurandhar?
The film features Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi.
What actions are being taken by the ISI regarding the film?
The ISI has attempted to control its digital presence, but efforts to block illegal downloads have largely failed.
