New Delhi: Aditya Dhar’s espionage thriller “Dhurandhar”, led by Ranveer Singh, has emerged as a major global streaming success, topping Netflix’s Global Non-English Films chart and securing the No. 1 position in both India and Pakistan—a rare and politically significant achievement.
Quick Facts: Dhurandhar
- Director: Aditya Dhar
- Lead Actor: Ranveer Singh
- Genre: Spy Thriller / Espionage
- Netflix Views (Week 1): 7.6 million
- Global Rank: No. 1 (Non-English Films)
- India & Pakistan Rank: No. 1
- Worldwide Box Office: Approx. $148 million
- Streaming Release Date: January 30
- Sequel: Dhurandhar: The Revenge (March 19, theatrical)
According to Netflix’s Tudum weekly rankings for January 26 to February 1, Dhurandhar recorded 7.6 million views worldwide, making it the most-watched non-English film on the platform during the week. The film’s dominance extends across South Asia, with strong chart positions in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and notable traction in Middle Eastern markets with large South Asian diaspora populations.
A Streaming Breakthrough Across Borders
The film’s success in Pakistan has drawn particular attention. Indian films have largely been absent from Pakistani cinemas for years due to prolonged diplomatic and political tensions. Against this backdrop, Dhurandhar—a story centered on Indian intelligence operations inside Pakistan—reaching Pakistani audiences at scale through Netflix highlights the growing role of streaming platforms in bypassing traditional theatrical barriers.
Set largely in Karachi’s Lyari region, the film follows a decade-long undercover mission in which Ranveer Singh’s character infiltrates criminal and political networks. The narrative references major historical terror incidents, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, adding to its geopolitical weight.
Star-Studded Cast and Strong Performances
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar features an ensemble cast that includes Akshaye Khanna as the antagonist, along with Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and several seasoned performers. The film is produced by Jio Studios in collaboration with B62 Studios.
Industry observers credit the film’s sharp storytelling, high production values, and Ranveer Singh’s intense performance for its wide appeal across diverse regions—even in markets where the subject matter is considered sensitive.
Box Office Success and What’s Next
Before its streaming release on January 30, Dhurandhar had already established itself as the highest-grossing Hindi-language film in India, earning approximately $116 million domestically and $32 million internationally (over ₹1,300 crore worldwide).
The story is designed as a two-part saga. The sequel, “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” is scheduled for a March 19 theatrical release and will explore the backstory and transformation of Singh’s character, Jaskirat Singh Rangi, also known as Hamza Ali Mazari. The film is expected to release in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Streaming Reflects Changing Viewing Patterns
Interestingly, Netflix’s Top 10 list in Pakistan currently features several Indian titles, underlining how digital platforms are reshaping viewing habits in regions where cinema releases remain restricted. Analysts note that streaming has become a neutral space where content can find audiences based on storytelling rather than politics.
With Dhurandhar, Indian cinema once again demonstrates its expanding global footprint—proving that compelling narratives can cross borders even when traditional avenues remain closed.
