Bollywood may officially be off-limits in Pakistan, but reality on the ground tells a very different story. Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar’s espionage drama Dhurandhar has stirred fresh debate after pirated copies of the film were spotted being sold openly in Karachi — reportedly for as little as ₹16.
Yes, ₹16.
The twist? The film had recently topped Netflix Pakistan’s trending list despite the long-standing ban on Indian theatrical releases in the country.
From Streaming Charts to Street Piracy
According to a viral vlog by New Zealand-based YouTuber Karl Rock, pirated DVDs of Dhurandhar were being sold at Karachi’s well-known Rainbow Centre market. In the clip circulating online, Karl is seen pointing out the film’s poster at a local shop while highlighting the irony — Indian films are banned, yet the latest Bollywood release is available for pocket change.
The shopkeeper reportedly confirmed it was one of the newest titles in circulation.
The internet, unsurprisingly, exploded. Some users were shocked by the price. Others weren’t surprised at all.
A Film That Sparked Conversation
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is set in Karachi’s Lyari area and follows an Indian intelligence operative infiltrating a powerful mafia network. The film dives into espionage, gang politics, and socio-political tensions — themes that naturally triggered strong reactions across the border.
While some Pakistani viewers appreciated the storytelling and performances, others criticised the portrayal of Lyari and its historical figures.
The film stars Ranveer Singh in a gritty, high-intensity role, alongside Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan and Sara Arjun. Industry insiders note that the film has been one of the more commercially talked-about releases of the year, with strong digital traction adding to its momentum.
Interestingly, Ranveer’s Sindhi roots were also mentioned in the vlog, adding another layer of cross-border cultural connection.
The Ban That Never Really Stops Bollywood
Indian films have faced intermittent bans in Pakistan, particularly during periods of political tension. However, Bollywood’s popularity in cities like Karachi and Lahore has historically remained strong — whether through satellite TV, streaming platforms, or unfortunately, piracy networks.
The Dhurandhar episode highlights that gap between policy and public demand.
Despite restrictions, the film reportedly trended on Netflix Pakistan recently, proving once again that content often travels beyond borders, even when official channels close.
The Karl Rock Angle
Karl Rock himself has been a controversial figure. He was blacklisted from entering India in 2021 after authorities cited visa violations. His wife had later challenged the decision in court. That context made his latest vlog even more viral, as viewers debated both the piracy issue and his involvement.
What’s Next for Dhurandhar?
With Dhurandhar 2 already in the pipeline and reportedly slated for a March 19 release, the franchise seems far from slowing down. The piracy controversy, while troubling, has ironically amplified the film’s visibility even further.
Final Words
Here’s the bigger picture: bans can block theatres, but they can’t block curiosity. Dhurandhar’s journey — from Netflix charts in Pakistan to being sold for ₹16 on Karachi streets — is proof that cinema continues to cross borders, legally or otherwise.
The piracy issue raises serious concerns for filmmakers and distributors. But at the same time, it underlines something else — Bollywood’s pull in Pakistan is still very real.
And clearly, demand finds a way.
