Dhurandhar Release: Will Ranveer Singh's Spy Thriller Hit UAE Cinemas?

Ranveer Singh's much-hyped spy-action thriller Dhurandhar is set to release globally today, Friday, December 5, 2025, but a critical question looms for UAE audiences: will it actually be screened in Middle Eastern theatres? As one of Bollywood's most expensive productions to date, with a reported budget of Rs 280 crores (approximately AED 150+ million), the film's UAE and Middle East release status remains shrouded in uncertainty despite the worldwide launch date.​

The UAE Release Uncertainty

Unlike previous major Bollywood releases, Dhurandhar has not appeared in UAE cinema listings as of December 5, 2025, raising concerns about a potential ban in Middle Eastern territories. Social media communities active in the UAE reported that the film was not listed on any major cinema websites including VOX Cinemas and major mall cinema chains across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This marked contrast to the confirmed global release date has sparked widespread speculation about regulatory issues or content concerns that might be preventing the film's theatrical distribution in the region.​

The precedent is troubling. Actor Hrithik Roshan's previous action thriller Fighter faced a complete ban across Gulf nations before eventually receiving a 15+ rating in the UAE. Tiger 3 similarly encountered restrictions in Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar, creating a pattern of scrutiny for high-octane action thrillers in the Middle East.​

Given that Dhurandhar has received an A (Adults Only) certificate from India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for strong violence and adult content, concerns about its suitability for Middle Eastern markets appear justified. The film reportedly contains several violent scenes and cuss words that may not align with regional standards.​

Social Media Chatter and Pre-Release Controversy

The broader social media conversation surrounding Dhurandhar has extended far beyond its UAE release prospects. Just one day before the film's scheduled global release, director Aditya Dhar's wife, actress Yami Gautam, posted a lengthy note on X and Instagram criticizing the Bollywood industry's culture of "paid PR campaigns" and what she termed as "extortion-like" marketing practices.​

In her viral post, which garnered over 500,000 views and 10,000 likes on X within hours, Gautam condemned the trend of filmmakers being pressured to pay for positive reviews and media coverage. She wrote: "This so-called trend of giving money in the guise of marketing a film to ensure good 'hype' for that film, or else 'they' will continuously write negative things (even before the film is released) until you pay 'them' money, feels like nothing but extortion."​

Her post sparked significant industry-wide commentary. A-list actors Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan expressed support by liking the Instagram version, while actor Hrithik Roshan responded with a thoughtful comment about journalistic freedom and creative expression. The candid social media engagement underscored deeper frustrations within the industry regarding media manipulation and the integrity of film criticism, overshadowing the film's release excitement.​

Legal Troubles Threatening Release

Adding to the film's mounting challenges, Dhurandhar faces legal obstacles that could impact its theatrical run even in India. The family of late Major Mohit Sharma filed a petition in Delhi High Court alleging that the film's storyline was based on their son's life without permission. Madhur Sharma, the officer's brother, stated that social media posts and influencers with millions of followers had drawn correlations between the film and his brother's story, prompting the family to seek legal clarification from producers before the release.​

Additionally, Chaudhary Aslam's widow, Naureen Aslam, has objected to her late husband's character portrayal in the film, threatening legal action over potential misrepresentation.​

These legal concerns raise the possibility that the film could face further restrictions or modifications before its scheduled Friday release, potentially affecting its global distribution timeline.

What We Know About the Film

Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, is a spy-action thriller that ran up a staggering Rs 250 crore production budget, with an additional Rs 30 crore spent on permissions and marketing—making it one of the most expensive Indian productions ever made. Starring Ranveer Singh, the film also features powerhouse performances from Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R.

Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal.​

The film received an A (Adults Only) certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for strong violence and adult content, with a finalized runtime of 214 minutes—making it one of Bollywood's longest films in 17 years. Several violent scenes and cuss words were edited to secure certification, indicating the filmmakers had to make significant cuts to achieve even this restrictive rating.​

The global locations used in the film's production showcase significant investment, with filming across Thailand, Mumbai, Punjab, and Ladakh. The production faced challenges, including a food poisoning incident during Ladakh shooting that temporarily halted filming.​

As of December 5, 2025, Dhurandhar has not been confirmed for UAE cinema listings, and this is unlikely to change in coming days. If the film does not receive theatrical clearance in the UAE, the Netflix release on January 30, 2026, will provide the primary accessible avenue for regional audiences.

The pre-release social media narrative surrounding the film—encompassing industry corruption accusations, legal challenges, and regulatory concerns—has significantly overshadowed what was intended to be a blockbuster launch. Whether Dhurandhar can overcome these hurdles to become a commercial success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this release will be watched closely by both industry insiders and international audiences monitoring Bollywood's global reach and regional distribution challenges.