Dhurandhar Becomes No. 1 on Netflix Pakistan Despite Theatrical Ban: Why Fans are Calling it "Best Ever"

Dhurandhar Netflix Pakistan Rankings: Ranveer Singh Film Tops Charts Amid Censorship Row

Why is a "banned" Indian film the most-watched movie in Pakistan? From Reddit praise to the Shazia Iqbal controversy, here is why Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar is 2026's most polarizing hit.

Ranveer Singh as Hamza in Dhurandhar Netflix Pakistan No 1 trending.
Ranveer Singh as Hamza in Dhurandhar Netflix Pakistan No 1 trending.

Banned in Pakistani Theatres, #1 on Small Screens: The ‘Dhurandhar’ Paradox Shaking Pakistan

In an era of firewalls and censorship, Ranveer Singh has proved that a gripping story is impossible to contain. While cinema halls across Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad remained dark for Aditya Dhar’s latest blockbuster, the living rooms of Pakistan are telling a different story. As of February 3, 2026, Dhurandhar is officially the most-watched film on Netflix Pakistan, beating out both local content and global hits.

Dhurandhar banned in Pakistan: Censorship vs. Curiosity 

Dhurandhar was denied a theatrical certificate in Pakistan (and several Gulf nations) back in December 2025, with authorities citing its "anti-Pakistan narrative" and gritty portrayal of the Lyari gang wars. However, this official pushback seems to have had the "Streisand Effect"-the more it was restricted, the more the public wanted to see it.

Dhurandhar on Netflix Pakistan

Before its Netflix release on January 30, the film had already recorded an estimated 2 million illegal downloads in Pakistan, making it the most pirated Indian film in the country’s history. Now that it is officially streaming, the numbers have translated into a dominant #1 ranking on the Netflix charts. 

Why Pakistani Viewers are Actually Praising Dhurandhar

While the film’s politics remain a point of heated debate, social media reactions from across the border have been surprisingly positive. Pakistani viewers are highlighting three main reasons for their obsession:

Authentic Portrayal: Unlike older Bollywood films that relied on stereotypes (the "adaab and kajal" trope), viewers have praised Dhurandhar for its deep research into Karachi’s subculture and the Balochistan landscape.

The "Chaudhary Aslam" Factor in Dhurandhar: 

Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of the real-life Karachi cop Chaudhary Aslam has become a viral talking point. Despite initial legal threats from Aslam’s widow regarding certain dialogues, many local viewers have called the performance a "fitting tribute" to the legendary encounter specialist.

Nuanced Antagonists: Akshaye Khanna’s performance as Rehman Dakait is being hailed as "chillingly accurate," with fans on Reddit Pakistan noting that the film targets criminal syndicates and specific political players rather than the general public.

The Shazia Iqbal Controversy

The film isn't just a hit; it’s a lightning rod for controversy. Director Shazia Iqbal sparked a viral firestorm this week when she labeled the film "rage-bait" and "sinister" on Instagram. Her critique polarized the industry, leading to a wave of trolling that eventually forced her to turn her account private.

A Tsunami for the Sequel?

The digital success of Dhurandhar Part 1 in "banned" territories has sent a clear message to the producers. With the teaser for Dhurandhar: The Revenge dropping today and a theatrical release set for March 19, the demand is higher than ever.

As one Pakistani user on X (formerly Twitter) put it: "They banned the movie to stop the conversation, but all they did was make everyone join it."

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