Mumbai: The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association, also known as IMPPA, has stepped in to support the makers of Dhurandhar after the blockbuster film faced a ban across multiple Middle Eastern countries. The industry organization has already addressed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally and would like the government to intervene in what it has termed as an unwarranted move that affects creative freedom.
Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, did not receive a theatrical release in major Middle East markets such as the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. The move has surprised trade experts, especially considering the film’s massive success back home.
IMPPA calls ban unfair and restrictive
In its letter to the Prime Minister, IMPPA strongly criticised the ban, calling it unilateral and unnecessary. The association noted that Dhurandhar was only released in India after being certified by the Central Board of Film Certification.
IMPPA stated that preventing the film’s release despite official clearance amounts to suppressing the freedom of expression of its makers. The letter also emphasized that the movie is filmed by one of its member producers and has since then become a historic success in Indian cinema.
The association urged the government to look into the matter and help resolve the issue through diplomatic or cultural channels, keeping in mind the interests of the Indian film industry and its global audience.
Dhurandhar’s record breaking box office run
Released in December, Dhurandhar quickly turned into a phenomenon at the box office. The spy thriller has become the highest grossing Hindi film in India thereby establishing new standards in the industry.
The film has collected an impressive ₹1230 crore worldwide, making it the fourth highest grossing Indian film of all time. It also holds the unique distinction of being the only Bollywood film to earn ₹800 crore net in India, a milestone that has not been achieved by any other Hindi film so far.
Although the film was certified adult, viewers nationwide have welcomed the film due to its captivating story, performances, and the size of the action that had been well received and enhanced the status of the film as a historic release.
Star cast and future plans
Besides Ranveer Singh in the star cast, Dhurandhar has a strong ensemble cast; Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt and R Madhavan. The film’s success has encouraged the makers to expand it into a franchise.
A sequel to Dhurandhar is already in the pipeline and is scheduled to release during Eid 2026. With expectations running high, the franchise is seen as one of the most important properties in contemporary Hindi cinema.
As discussions around the Middle East ban continue, the industry is closely watching how the government responds to IMPPA’s appeal. To date, Dhurandhar is a strong representation of the globalization of Indian cinema, despite the unforeseen pitfalls internationally.
Also Read | Dhurandhar Creates History: First Hindi Film to Cross ₹800 Crore Nett, Eyes Pushpa 2 Record
