How ‘Dhurandhar’ and ‘Haq’ Became Global OTT Hits: The Rise of Confident Indian Storytelling

When Dhurandhar released in theatres, it triggered strong reactions, debates, and discussions across borders. Months later, after its OTT release, the film found a second life—this time on Netflix—where it reportedly trended at the number one position across 22 countries. Around the same time, another film from the same production banner, Haq, had already made waves internationally for its courtroom drama rooted in the Shah Bano case and questions around women’s rights and legal reform.

Together, these two films signal something larger than box office numbers or streaming charts. They reflect a visible shift in Indian cinema’s storytelling confidence, technical polish, and global reach.

A New Phase for Indian Films on OTT

According to Netflix India data referenced in the discussion, Dhurandhar entered the Top 10 non-English films list across multiple countries in its debut week and reached the number one position in several regions including the UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

This is not the first time an Indian film has travelled globally through streaming platforms. The phenomenon was seen earlier with RRR in 2022, which found a massive international audience after its OTT release. However, what makes Dhurandhar and Haq notable is the nature of their themes and the conversations they sparked internationally.

Entertainment First, Message Second

Both films are described as highly engaging in their execution.

• Dhurandhar is structured as a slick spy thriller in the style of international espionage dramas, focusing on real historical incidents such as the IC-814 hijacking, the Parliament attack, and 26/11, while exploring the geopolitical tension between India and Pakistan.
• Haq is a courtroom and social drama centered around the Shah Bano case, examining the intersection of personal law, constitutional rights, and women’s dignity.

What stands out is that neither film is framed as a documentary or a lecture. They are designed as mainstream entertainers with high production value, gripping storytelling, and strong performances. The messaging is embedded within the narrative rather than delivered overtly.

This combination—mass entertainment with layered social and political context—appears to have resonated beyond Indian audiences.

International Viewers and Relatability

One of the most interesting aspects of the films’ reception is how audiences in Islamic countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others reportedly engaged with the stories.

Viewers from these regions did not necessarily view the films through a nationalist lens, but rather connected with:

• The portrayal of ordinary people caught in political systems
• The focus on women’s legal struggles in Haq
• The depiction of state institutions and society in Dhurandhar
• The humanization of characters rather than caricaturing them

In the case of Haq, many viewers, particularly women, found the story relatable because similar debates around personal law, divorce, and gender rights continue in several societies today.

The Changing Business Model of Indian Cinema

Traditionally, Bollywood blockbusters aimed to appeal to the widest possible audience, including markets in Pakistan, the Gulf, and diaspora regions. This often influenced how stories were framed.

However, films like Dhurandhar demonstrate a new business model:

• A film can recover costs and earn over ₹1000 crore primarily from the Indian market.
• International popularity can now come organically through OTT platforms rather than theatrical dependence.
• Filmmakers no longer need to tailor narratives to avoid offending overseas markets.

This gives creators greater freedom to tell stories from an unapologetically Indian point of view while still achieving global success.

Soft Power Through Storytelling

These films also highlight how cinema can function as soft power.

Instead of overt propaganda, the films rely on:

• Strong scripts
• Real events
• Nuanced characters
• High technical standards comparable to international productions

Viewers can enjoy Dhurandhar simply as a spy thriller, yet come away with a deeper understanding of India’s security perspective. Similarly, Haq works as a legal drama while raising universal questions about women’s rights and justice.

Comparisons with Oscar Selections

The discussion around these films also raises questions about how India selects films for international awards. Some critics argue that technically strong, globally appealing films like Haq could represent India more effectively at platforms like the Oscars compared to slower, issue-based films that may not connect with wider audiences.

Whether one agrees or disagrees, the debate itself shows that Indian audiences are becoming more conscious of how their cinema is perceived globally.

A Cultural Moment for Indian Cinema

The success of Dhurandhar, Haq, and earlier RRR suggests that Indian cinema is entering a phase where:

• Stories rooted in Indian realities are finding global audiences
• Technical quality matches international standards
• OTT platforms are removing geographical barriers
• Filmmakers are taking bolder narrative risks

This is not merely commercial success. It represents a cultural moment where Indian storytelling is being consumed, discussed, and debated worldwide.