Despite rewriting box office records, Dhurandhar has remained unavailable in Middle Eastern countries — a decision that sparked debate soon after its release. Now, more than a month after the film stormed cinemas worldwide, actor Danish Pandor has finally addressed the ban and the criticism surrounding it.
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar hit theatres on December 5, 2026, and went on to become one of the biggest commercial successes of recent times.
“Cinema is subjective,” says Danish Pandor
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Danish Pandor — who plays the intense character Uzair Baloch — responded to claims branding Dhurandhar as a propaganda film, a label that many believe contributed to its ban in parts of the Middle East.
According to Danish, films are open to interpretation and should not be boxed into political narratives.
He shared that Dhurandhar was always meant to be a storytelling experience, not a forced message. Audiences, he believes, are intelligent enough to decide what they take away from a film, adding that focusing only on negativity limits creative growth. For him, the healthier approach is to absorb what works and move forward.
Praising Ranveer Singh’s selfless approach
Beyond the controversy, Danish also spoke fondly about working alongside Ranveer Singh, calling him one of the most secure actors he has collaborated with.
He described Ranveer as someone whose only concern on set is elevating the scene, not himself. Always prepared and fully immersed in character, Ranveer’s work ethic, Danish said, becomes inspiring simply to watch.
Akshaye Khanna: silent, observant, powerful
Danish also reflected on his experience with Akshaye Khanna, describing him as a man of few words who quietly observes everything around him.
According to Danish, Akshaye’s strength lies in his silent preparation. The transformation that happens when the camera starts rolling is striking — a reminder that acting is as much about listening and absorbing as it is about delivering dialogue. He called the experience something no acting school can truly teach.
Box office juggernaut despite regional ban
Controversy aside, Dhurandhar’s numbers speak for themselves. The film has earned over ₹800 crore in India and crossed a staggering ₹1300 crore worldwide, cementing its place among the highest-grossing Indian films ever.
The Middle East ban, while notable, hasn’t slowed the film’s global momentum or its impact on audiences elsewhere.
Final words
Danish Pandor’s response adds a grounded perspective to a polarising conversation. While Dhurandhar continues to divide opinion in certain regions, its massive success and strong performances have clearly resonated with millions.
In the end, as Danish puts it, cinema remains subjective — and Dhurandhar has undeniably found its audience, controversy and all.
