Despite a ban, pirated versions of Dhurandhar are being sold in Karachi—all at an extremely low price of PKR 50.
Ranveer Singh’s film Dhurandhar has been banned from theatrical release in Pakistan but has nonetheless found its way into an underground market. Reports indicate that pirated copies of the film are openly available at various retail locations in Karachi. According to YouTuber Karl Rock, who recently visited the city, he discovered the pirated version of the movie being sold at the Rainbow Centre, a known hub for pirated media.
The price set for these illicit copies is remarkably low, with one shopkeeper quoting PKR 50, which is approximately ₹16 or less than one US dollar.
Karl Rock documented his shopping experience in a video, expressing surprise at the accessibility of Indian films within Pakistan, particularly noting the film’s recent release despite its ban. In the video, Rock is seen in conversation with a shopkeeper, who confirmed that the film is indeed the newly released Dhurandhar. Rock’s astonishment was evident as he pointed out the contradiction of an Indian film, which criticises Pakistan, finding an eager audience in the same country.
The film’s producer, Jyoti Deshpande, has commented on the widespread popularity of Dhurandhar, stating it is the most-watched film in Pakistan despite its availability in a single language. “The success of Dhurandhar in just one language has been unprecedented,” she explained in a prior interview.
Dhurandhar was released in theatres in December 2025 and subsequently became a blockbuster, gaining significant traction on the streaming platform Netflix, where it reached the top of the charts in both India and Pakistan. By January 30, it had become the most viewed film on the platform.
The narrative surrounding the film’s thriving underground presence has sparked varied reactions online. While many viewers have expressed disbelief regarding the antics of piracy, some have noted the irony of a film that critiques Pakistan achieving such popularity there.
With the anticipation built around the sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, featuring Ranveer Singh, further developments regarding the film and its reception in both India and Pakistan will be closely monitored. This situation highlights not only the significant demand for Indian cinema in Pakistan but also raises questions concerning the enforcement of film censorship in the region.
