Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' Becomes Most Pirated Film in Pakistan

The recent ban on the Indian film 'Dhurandhar', featuring Ranveer Singh, in Pakistan has not diminished its popularity. In fact, the movie has achieved an unexpected milestone, becoming the most pirated film in the country. Reports indicate that within the first two weeks of its release, 'Dhurandhar' has amassed approximately two million illegal downloads, surpassing previous records held by films like Rajinikanth's '2.0' and Shah Rukh Khan's 'Raees'.

Despite the ban in Pakistan and certain Gulf nations, the film directed by Aditya Dhar has continued to thrive at the box office. Trade reports suggest that the ban may have resulted in a potential revenue loss of around ₹50 to ₹60 crore (approximately £5.5 to £6.6 million). Nevertheless, 'Dhurandhar' has grossed over ₹500 crore (approximately £55 million) in India and has also garnered ₹140 crore (around £15.5 million) from international markets. Analysts believe the film could exceed the ₹700 crore (approximately £77 million) mark within its second week globally.

The film's notoriety has led to increased interest among audiences in Pakistan, contributing to its widespread availability on various piracy platforms. Reports indicate that viewers are accessing 'Dhurandhar' through torrent sites, Telegram channels, underground streaming services, and virtual private networks (VPNs). These illegal streaming options are reportedly facilitated by servers located in countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Malaysia.

While some viewers have expressed dissatisfaction with the film's storyline, others have praised the performances, with many fans engaging in the film's social media buzz by creating reels and memes related to it.

In addition to piracy issues, 'Dhurandhar' is facing legal challenges. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has filed a petition in a Karachi court, objecting to the film's use of images depicting former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The petition seeks to initiate a first information report (FIR) against the film's cast and crew.

'Dhurandhar' features Ranveer Singh as Hamza, an Indian intelligence officer tasked with infiltrating the Lyari area of Pakistan to dismantle terrorism networks. The film's ensemble cast includes Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi. As the film continues to attract attention, its impact on both the box office and the issue of piracy remains a topic of discussion in entertainment circles.