Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar is being sold as pirated DVDs in Pakistan for as little as PKR 50 (around Rs 16), even as the film continues to trend at No.1 on Netflix Pakistan.
The issue came to light through a viral video filmed by New Zealand-born YouTuber Karl Rock, who is married to an Indian, during his visit to Karachi's Rainbow Centre, where he spotted a vendor openly selling pirated copies of the recently released Hindi film — a market long known for such content.
The video was shared by India-based YouTuber Karl Rock, who was visiting the market when he spotted the DVDs. In the clip, he is heard saying in surprise, “Indian films are banned in Pakistan, but look what I found.” The seller confirms the title and the price. The video quickly spread on social media.
The incident has drawn attention because the film is currently one of the most-watched titles on Netflix Pakistan. After its OTT premiere on January 30, Dhurandhar quickly claimed the No. 1 spot on the weekly Top 10 and, for a while, was trending simultaneously across India and Pakistan.
The viral clip sparked a flurry of reactions online, with many users expressing surprise at seeing pirated CDs and pen drives still in circulation. Some called it a throwback to India's piracy scene from years ago, while others pointed to the striking contrast — a film that includes strong anti-Pakistan moments is still drawing huge viewership there and even being sold openly in local markets. Several users said the response showed how the film's popularity has gone beyond borders and politics.
Producer Jyoti Deshpande recently called the film's reach “unprecedented”, saying it has become the most-watched film in Pakistan despite releasing in only one language. She added that its box office success and record-breaking digital viewership have made it a turning point for mainstream storytelling. The film has already broken several box office and digital records and continues to generate global buzz.
The viral video has also restarted the conversation around piracy and the demand for physical copies in the streaming era.
Dhurandhar 2 is set to release in theatres on March 19.
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