Dhurandhar: Ranveer Singh Film Tops Netflix Pakistan Despite Theatrical Ban

Aditya Dhar's directorial venture 'Dhurandhar', starring Ranveer Singh, has achieved a significant milestone on the digital front, while after a successful theatrical run, the spy thriller is now dominating the charts on the global streaming giant Netflix. Most notably, the film has secured the number one position on Netflix Pakistan, despite being denied a theatrical release in the country. Following its digital premiere on 30 January, the film ascended to the top spot within just three days of streaming.

Dominance in the Pakistani Digital Market

According to the latest data from Netflix Tudum, 'Dhurandhar' emerged as the most-watched film in Pakistan for the week spanning 26 January to 1 February. The film's narrative, which involves the depiction of the Lyari area and its local mafia operations, led to a ban by Pakistani authorities for theatrical screening. Industry experts suggest that the lack of theatrical access fueled significant curiosity among the local audience, contributing to its rapid surge in viewership upon its OTT debut. Other Indian titles like 'Tere Ishq Mein' and 'Haq' are also performing well in the region, holding the second and third spots respectively.

Global Footprint and Middle East Success

Beyond Pakistan and India, 'Dhurandhar' has claimed the top position in five other nations, including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Mauritius. It's significant to note that except for Mauritius, the film didn't have a theatrical release in these territories. In Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the Ranveer Singh-starrer currently holds the second position in the weekly viewership charts. The film features a high-profile ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Sara Arjun, which has contributed to its international appeal.

Record-Breaking Viewership in India

In the Indian market, 'Dhurandhar' has set new benchmarks for OTT viewership, while 6 million views within its first three days on Netflix. This figure surpasses the opening viewership numbers of several recent major releases, including 'Animal', 'Fighter', and 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'. The film's digital performance mirrors its box office success, where it was lauded for its intense storytelling and technical execution.

Analytical Perspective on Content Reach

According to industry analysts, the success of 'Dhurandhar' highlights the power of digital platforms in bypassing traditional distribution barriers, while the intense interest in Pakistan is attributed to the film's realistic portrayal of Karachi's underworld, a subject that resonated with the local demographic despite the official ban. Experts believe that the availability of such content on global streaming platforms ensures that high-quality cinema reaches its intended audience regardless of regional restrictions. The film's performance in the Middle East further underscores the growing demand for Indian spy thrillers in the international market.

So, to wrap up, 'Dhurandhar' has established itself as a global digital powerhouse. Its ability to trend at the top in countries where it faced theatrical restrictions demonstrates the evolving landscape of film consumption. As the film continues to maintain its momentum, it's expected to set further records in the coming weeks across various global territories.