Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the most talked-about films of 2025, sparking intense debate ever since its theatrical release in December last year. With a worldwide box-office collection of Rs 1,300 crore, the Aditya Dhar directorial now stands among the most successful Indian films to date.
While the initial buzz around the film had slowed in recent weeks, it surged again following its Netflix release on January 30. Within days of its OTT debut, Dhurandhar climbed to the No. 1 position on Netflix not only in India but also in Pakistan. It is to be noted that the Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna-starrer was officially banned in Pakistan.
The film’s OTT release has prompted a wave of reactions from Pakistani viewers, many of whom have shared positive reviews online. One Reddit user wrote, “As a Pakistani, it’s the best ever Bollywood movie i ever watched. First time i saw a film where actual research has been done and there’s no use of ‘adaab’ ‘janaab’ surma kajal topi and vest to show Pakistanis… Fantastic movie, casting, shooting, story everything’s on point.”
Another Pakistani viewer commented, “I’m Pakistani and I love Dhurandhar. Yall gotta stop creating this narrative that we hate you guys and vice versa. It’s all love from my side. Don’t be rude.”
One more user praised the film, “The movie actually portrayed pakistan well (the weapon gangs and politics) and sprinkled opinion politics on India. There’s nothing against Pakistan people in the movie.”
Dhurandhar trends at number 1 in India
Back in India, Dhurandhar shot to the top of Netflix India’s charts within 24 hours of its premiere. Reacting to this renewed success, director Aditya Dhar told Bollywood Hungama, “Seeing Dhurandhar hit #1 on Netflix is incredibly gratifying. The film was made to be experienced with passion – on the big screen or at home. I’m grateful to audiences who watched it in theatres and to those discovering it for the first time worldwide.”
The Netflix release has also drawn reactions from Indian viewers who missed the film during its theatrical run.
Several celebrities joined the conversation, including filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. Sharing his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), Kapur praised the film’s craft and performances, writing, “Finally saw #Dhurandhar on Netflix. Terrific storytelling and very high level of performances even from minor roles. Director #AdityaDhar deserves all the praise he’s getting. Congratulations producer #jyotideshpande and looking forward to #Dhurandhar2.”
Finally saw #Dhurandhar on Netflix. Terrific storytelling and very high level of performances even from minor roles. Director #AdityaDhar deserves all the praise he’s getting. Congratulations producer #jyotideshpande and looking forward to #Dhurandhar2
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) February 2, 2026
However, the film’s popularity has been matched by sharp criticism as well.
RJ Sayema wrote, “I waited for Dhurandhar to release on OTT because I wanted to skip the violence and gore… It didn’t suit my palate. Too much gore.”
I waited for Dhurandhar to release on OTT because I wanted to skip the violence and gore. I started watching it last evening but shut it down within ten minutes. It didn’t suit my palate. Too much gore. It also made me realise that we, anyway, can’t skip the violence happening in…
— Sayema (@_sayema) January 31, 2026
Another user wrote, “Dhurandhar is bad! Beyond being blatant propaganda… it’s a poorly made film. Loud, frantic, and empty.”
I blame all the over-stimulated folks on here for ruining my evening. Dhurandhar is bad! Beyond being blatant propaganda to whitewash governance failures, it’s a poorly made film. Loud, frantic, and empty. A high-strung Bollywood rave. I couldn’t sit through even half of it. Ugh.
— Prapthi (@prapthi_m) January 31, 2026
Others called the film “pointlessly long” and “mediocre,” wondering what all the fuss was about.
I finally watched that movie Dhurandhar. Pointlessly long, kinda mediocre. Don’t understand what the fuss was about.
— Apoorva Govind (@Appyg99) February 1, 2026
About Dhurandhar 2
Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh as an Indian intelligence officer sent on a covert mission into Pakistan, where he becomes entangled with the dangerous Lyari mafia. The film also features Akshaye Khanna, Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal, and is inspired by real events.
Anticipation is already building for Dhurandhar 2, which is slated for a theatrical release on March 19, clashing with Yash’s Toxic. Recent behind-the-scenes images from the Mumbai sets showed characters played by Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt locked in a tense confrontation. Reports suggest the next chapter will focus on Hamza Mazhari’s revenge arc and finally unveil the identity of the enigmatic ‘Bade Sahab’.
