R Madhavan says people flew from Dubai to India just to watch 'Dhurandhar' after the film was banned there, opens up on the hype around the sequel
Times of India
by TOI ENTERTAINMENT DESKFebruary 25, 2026
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R Madhavan has highlighted the unprecedented success of *Dhurandhar*, a film that sparked massive fanfare despite being banned in the UAE. During an interview with Sonia Shenoy, Madhavan revealed how fans from Dubai traveled to India just to watch the movie, underscoring its cultural impact and the growing shift in storytelling themes within Indian cinema. He noted that younger audiences are moving away from traditional narratives centered on the India-Pakistan rivalry, embracing fresh, contemporary stories like *Dhurandhar* instead. This change reflects a broader evolution in how South Asian films are being consumed globally.
The film’s banning in the UAE created significant buzz, with fans going to great lengths to experience it. Madhavan shared that some viewers even flew to India for a single day to watch the movie before returning home. This level of dedication highlights the power of compelling content and its ability to transcend regional restrictions. Despite the ban, *Dhurandhar* became a global phenomenon, grossing over Rs 1300 crore worldwide, including a substantial Rs 890 crore in India alone. Its overseas distributor, Pranab Kapadia, acknowledged the financial loss from the UAE’s decision but emphasized that the film had found its audience elsewhere.
The release of *Dhurandhar 2* is now highly anticipated, with fans planning trips to theaters around its March 19 launch date. The sequel is set to clash with another major release, *Toxic*, headlined by Yash, during Eid weekend—a clash that promises to be one of the year’s most significant box office events. Madhavan’s comments on the film’s success and its cultural implications make it clear: *Dhurandhar* represents a turning point in South Asian cinema, where modern storytelling is resonating with global audiences while traditional themes take a backseat. This shift not only reflects changing viewer preferences but also underscores the enduring appeal of authentic, relatable narratives on the big screen.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026