Dhurandhar Breaks Internet, Narrative in Pakistan Despite Bans

• Dhurandhar, a Bollywood spy thriller, has become a major strategic and cultural phenomenon, transcending cinema despite bans in six Gulf nations and opposition from Pakistan.
• The film, linking the 1999 hijacking, 26/11 attacks, and Lyari gang wars, portrays a covert operative dismantling a terror network in Karachi, striking a nerve in Pakistan.
• Despite a Pakistani blackout attempt, Dhurandhar saw over one million illegal downloads in its first week, becoming one of the most pirated Bollywood titles ever, demonstrating public interest.
• The film's portrayal of Karachi's Lyari neighborhood rattled the Sindh government, leading to a "counter-film" announcement and legal action against the director and cast.
• A line by Sanjay Dutt's character questioning Baloch trustworthiness sparked the #TrustABaloch hashtag, highlighting identity politics and geopolitical realities.

Why It Matters: Dhurandhar's massive digital reach in Pakistan proves Indian soft power is unstoppable.