ON khabar
The ironies of geopolitics often play out in unexpected ways, especially in the world of cinema. The latest testament to this is the unprecedented case of the Bollywood blockbuster “Dhurandhar.” Banned officially by the Pakistani government for its portrayal of Pakistan’s underworld and ISI, the film has not faded into obscurity across the border. Instead, it has exploded into a full-blown cultural sensation, becoming Pakistan’s most pirated movie ever, with its electrifying song “FA9LA” and Akshaye Khanna’s performance captivating audiences despite the political embargo.
The Ban and the Backlash
Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh as an Indian agent infiltrating Pakistan’s crime syndicates, was always going to be controversial in Pakistan. Its narrative, which shows criminal networks supported by the ISI, led Islamabad to impose a blanket ban, preventing its theatrical release. The intent was to curb its influence and message.
However, the ban had the opposite effect. It created a frenzy of curiosity. In today’s digital age, a ban is less a wall and more a spotlight. The prohibition transformed Dhurandhar from a mere movie into a forbidden fruit, a must-see piece of content that everyone was talking about.
Dhurandhar music was played during the entry of Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto.
On one hand, cases are being filed against this Indian blockbuster in Pakistani courts and on the other hand, they’re openly playing its songs at public events. 🤦😂pic.twitter.com/4KQ2QT2UA3
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) December 17, 2025
The Viral Catalyst: Akshaye Khanna and “FA9LA”
At the heart of this underground craze is veteran actor Akshaye Khanna. Cast as the menacing crime lord Rehman Dakait, Khanna delivers a performance that is both chilling and charismatic. But it’s his dance number “FA9LA” that became the undeniable wildfire.
The song, with its thumping beats and Khanna’s intense, electrifying dance moves, broke the internet. It flooded Pakistani social media timelines, meme pages, and WhatsApp groups. The visual of Khanna’s commanding screen presence proved irresistible, transcending the political tensions surrounding the film. It became a standalone viral sensation, a piece of pop culture divorced from its controversial source for many young fans.
The Political Twist: Bilawal Bhutto’s Party Playlist
The cultural permeation reached its peak when a video surfaced on X (formerly Twitter). The clip showed Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari at a private party where “FA9LA” was blasting through the speakers. The image of a top Pakistani political scion grooving to a song from a banned Indian film was rich with irony.
This incident did two things:
It highlighted the deep disconnect between official state policies and ground-level cultural consumption.
It legitimated the film’s popularity, showing that the appeal of Dhurandhar and its music cut across social and even political strata.
The Piracy Pandemic: By the Numbers
The real story is in the staggering piracy data. According to reports from IANS, within just two weeks of its release:
Dhurandhar was illegally downloaded over 2 million times in Pakistan.
It dethroned previous record-holders like Rajinikanth’s *2.0* and Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees to become the most pirated film in Pakistani history.
This isn’t just about watching a banned movie. It’s a case study in digital defiance. It reveals a massive audience actively seeking out content they are told they cannot have, using VPNs and torrent sites to bridge the gap created by diplomacy.
How Akshaye Khanna Became Rehman Dakait
The casting of Akshaye Khanna was a masterstroke. In an exclusive revelation to SCREEN, casting director Mukesh Chhabra shared the simple yet effective process. After shortlisting many names, the team zeroed in on Khanna.
“He came for the narration alone,” Chhabra recalled. “And after it ended, he looked at me and I looked at him and he said, ‘Loved it, maza aa gaya yaar.’” That instant connection to the complex role of Rehman Dakait is what translated onto the screen, creating a character that has arguably become the film’s biggest draw in Pakistan.
The Bigger Picture: Entertainment vs. Politics
Dhurandhar’s journey in Pakistan raises critical questions about the intersection of art, politics, and access. The ban was a political decision, but the public’s response was a cultural one. It underscores a universal truth: compelling storytelling and charismatic performances often find a way to their audience, regardless of borders or bans.
The film’s producers have announced Dhurandhar Part 2, slated for an Eid 2026 release. If the first part’s reception is any indicator, its sequel—likely to face similar restrictions—will only fuel another cycle of clandestine demand and record-breaking piracy, proving that in the digital era, audience demand is the ultimate censor.
FAQ About Dhurandhar’s Ban and Popularity in Pakistan
Q1: Why was Dhurandhar banned in Pakistan?
A: The Pakistani government banned Dhurandhar due to its portrayal of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, as supporting criminal underworld networks. The film’s plot, which involves an Indian agent infiltrating these networks, was deemed hostile and inappropriate for public screening.
Q2: How are people in Pakistan watching Dhurandhar if it’s banned?
A: Despite the official ban, the film is being widely accessed through illegal piracy. Reports indicate it has been downloaded over 2 million times via torrent sites and other digital platforms. The use of VPNs to access Indian streaming links is also common.
Q3: What is the song “FA9LA” and why is it so popular?
A: “FA9LA” is a high-energy dance track from Dhurandhar featuring actor Akshaye Khanna in a powerful performance as crime lord Rehman Dakait. Its catchy tune, dynamic choreography, and Khanna’s viral screen presence made it a social media sensation, spreading independently of the film’s political context.
Q4: Is it true that Bilawal Bhutto played the FA9LA song at a party?
A: Yes. A video circulated on social media platform X showed Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari at a gathering where the “FA9LA” song was being played, highlighting the song’s widespread popularity even in elite political circles.
Q5: Has any other banned Indian film seen similar success in Pakistan?
A: While other films like Padmaavat and RRR have faced bans and subsequent piracy, Dhurandhar has set a new record by becoming the most pirated film ever in Pakistan, surpassing previous record-holders like *2.0* and Raees in a very short span.
Q6: Who is Akshaye Khanna playing in Dhurandhar?
A: Akshaye Khanna plays the pivotal role of Rehman Dakait, a powerful and feared crime kingpin in Pakistan’s underworld. His performance has been widely praised and is a major reason for the film’s buzz.
