Pakistan's New Bollywood Fervor: 'Dhurandhar' Surpasses Classic Blockbusters

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 13:35 GMT by RepublicWorld
      Locale: INDIA

Pakistan’s New Bollywood Fervor: Why “Dhurandhar” Is the Talk of the Town

When most Pakistani audiences think of Bollywood, they picture a handful of classic blockbusters—“Dhoom,” “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi,” or the latest “Bajrangi Bhaijaan”—that manage to sneak past the country’s restrictive censorship filters. Yet, in the past few weeks, a new phenomenon has taken social media by storm: the Pakistani obsession with the Hindi‑language crime drama “Dhurandhar.” According to a recent Republic World piece, this film is now the most talked‑about Bollywood release in Pakistan, eclipsing even the most iconic titles of the past decade.

1. A quick snapshot of “Dhurandhar”

“Dhurandhar” (Hindi: दुरंदहर) is a gritty gangster drama directed by Anurag Kashyap and starring Salman Khan in the lead role. The film follows the rise of a street‑wise underworld kingpin in 1990s Mumbai, interweaving themes of loyalty, ambition, and betrayal. It was released in Indian theaters on 1 December 2023 and was available for streaming on Hotstar (India) a month later. The film’s high‑budget production values, coupled with Khan’s star power, made it a massive hit in India, earning over ₹400 crore at the box office.

The Republic World article notes that the film was licensed to multiple Pakistani streaming platforms—primarily ZEE5 and Prime Video—where it began garnering massive viewership numbers. “Dhurandhar” became one of the most‑watched non‑Pakistani titles in the country, according to a data‑driven analysis from local analytics firm StreamSense.

2. Social media metrics: proof of a frenzy

The article highlights a cascade of online data that underscores the film’s popularity in Pakistan:

In one notable Twitter thread, Pakistani film critic Saima Khan notes that “Dhurandhar” outperformed Bajrangi Bhaijaan on the platform, with the latter’s peak engagement being 8 k tweets and 30 k likes. On TikTok, a dance challenge set to the film’s theme song has already surpassed 7 million views, further evidence that the film has infiltrated everyday Pakistani internet culture.

3. Why the Pakistani audience is so captivated

The Republic World article quotes several viewers and influencers who explain the unique appeal of “Dhurandhar” in Pakistan:

• Star Power – Salman Khan is a global icon whose films enjoy a massive following in Pakistan, especially among younger audiences who grew up watching his 2000s releases.
• Cultural Resonance – The film’s portrayal of crime and power struggles mirrors the narratives that resonate with the Pakistani diaspora, many of whom are familiar with the socio‑economic landscape depicted.
• High Production Value – Critics point to the film’s slick cinematography, realistic action sequences, and authentic period details as elevating it above typical Bollywood fare.
• Accessibility – While most Bollywood films are hard to find in Pakistan due to censorship, “Dhurandhar” was made available on major subscription platforms at a relatively low price point, making it easier for everyday viewers to stream it.

A link in the original Republic World article takes readers to a YouTube playlist that compiles the most popular fan‑made “Dhurandhar” memes. The article notes that these memes, which often juxtapose iconic Khan moments with Pakistani cultural references, have become viral content across platforms, amplifying the film’s visibility.

4. The broader implications

The article also discusses what this trend signals for both Pakistani media consumption and India‑Pakistan cultural exchange. With the political climate between the two countries remaining tense, the cross‑border popularity of a Bollywood film demonstrates a growing appetite for shared entertainment among Pakistani audiences. The film’s success on Pakistani platforms has even prompted local distributors to negotiate more aggressive licensing deals with Indian studios in the future.

5. Bottom line

“Dhurandhar” is not just a blockbuster; it’s a cultural event. Its ability to capture Pakistani viewers’ attention, evidenced by trending hashtags, viral memes, and record‑breaking streaming numbers, suggests that Pakistani audiences are ready for more nuanced, high‑quality Bollywood cinema. As Republic World points out, the film’s meteoric rise in Pakistan may well herald a new era of cross‑border cinematic collaboration, where the story and spectacle of a movie transcend the borders that separate the two nations.