Even though Pakistan has banned the Indian spy thriller Dhurandhar, the movie is still making waves there, thanks in large part to its catchy song FA9LA. While some Pakistani politicians are filing cases against the film for its alleged ‘anti-Pakistan’ content, the song has become a hit at parties across the country.
A video recently went viral showing Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto being welcomed on stage at a party while FA9LA, sung by Bahraini artist Nawaf Fahed (Flipperachi), played in the background. The song is tied to one of the film’s most talked-about characters, Rehman Dakait, an infamous don played by Akshaye Khanna. Ironically, Bilawal Bhutto’s PPP has filed a legal challenge in a Karachi court over the movie, questioning the use of images of the late Benazir Bhutto and seeking an FIR against the cast and crew.
On one hand Pakistani politicians are filing FIRs against Dhurandhar, on the other hand they are welcoming Bilawal Bhutto with the banger Dhurandhar song. Pakistanis won’t admit but they are addicted to Indian cinema and songs!
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) December 17, 2025
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Ban fails to stop piracy and popularity
Dhurandhar has been banned in Pakistan and some Gulf countries for what authorities call ‘negative propaganda.’ The film covers sensitive events like the 1999 Kandahar hijacking, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Lyari gang wars, which have not sat well with the Pakistani establishment.
Despite the ban, the film is being widely watched online. Reports show at least 2 million illegal downloads in Pakistan in just two weeks, making it the most pirated movie in the country, beating films like 2.0 and Raees. Although the ban may have cost the makers Rs 50-60 crore, the movie has successfully sent its message across the border.
Star cast and storyline
The film stars Ranveer Singh as Hamza, an Indian spy who infiltrates Lyari to dismantle terror networks allegedly backed by the ISI. Other cast members include Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Rakesh Bedi. Despite the ban and legal challenges, Dhurandhar continues to capture attention, proving that a strong story and a viral song, can cross borders even when the movie itself is banned.
