New Delhi: Pirated DVDs of a controversial Indian film are flooding markets in Pakistan at dirt-cheap prices, despite an official ban.
A viral video shows them selling for just Rs 16, sparking hilarious reactions online. Even as the movie tops Netflix charts, sneaky sellers are cashing in with physical copies. What’s the buzz all about?
Viral video sparks outrage and laughter
A shocking video shared by India-based YouTuber Karl Rock has gone viral, showing pirated DVDs of the Indian film Dhurandhar being sold openly at Karachi’s Rainbow Centre, a hotspot for bootleg content. Despite Pakistan’s ban on Indian films, the shopkeeper offered the disc for PKR 50, roughly Rs 16. Rock captured the moment, expressing surprise: “Indian films are banned in Pakistan, but look what I found.”
The seller confirmed without hesitation, saying, “This is an Indian film, Dhurandhar. It has been released recently.” When asked about the price, he replied casually, “Sir, it is for Rs 50 PKR (Rs 16).” The clip has stunned viewers, highlighting how bans don’t stop piracy in the region.
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Film’s massive popularity despite ban
Dhurandhar premiered on Netflix on January 30, 2026, and swiftly climbed to the top of the platform’s weekly Top 10 lists in both India and Pakistan. The film’s bold content, which reportedly bashes Pakistan, hasn’t deterred fans there. It even features Ranveer Singh, whose family has Sindhi roots and migrated from Pakistan to India during the Partition.
Indian social media users are reacting with a mix of amusement and disbelief. One commented, “A film bashing Pakistan is being loved in Pakistan, lol.” Another noted, “The movie is banned by Pakistan government, but it is getting pirated normally, and it is also the top trending Netflix movie. Make it make sense.”
Nostalgia for old-school piracy
Many were shocked to see physical media like CDs and pendrives still in use for piracy. A user remarked, “Still Selling pirated films is crazy… Still remember 15 years ago or so my cousin brought CDs of pirated movies.” Others pointed out, “We can still buy films on a pendrive and CD in Pakistan? This trend was over here before, at least 10 years ago. Strange.” The video underscores Pakistan’s thriving underground market for banned content.
Sequel on the horizon
Riding high on Dhurandhar’s success, a sequel titled Dhurandhar: The Revenge is set for cinema release on March 19, 2026. This piracy saga shows how digital bans can’t fully curb a film’s reach across borders.