by When Music Travels Faster Than Movies
In an era where music crosses borders in seconds but cinema remains tethered to geopolitics, the story of Dhurandhar and its viral track ‘FA9LA’ presents a fascinating cultural paradox. While the Bollywood spy thriller has reportedly been banned across several Gulf countries, its music — particularly a hard-hitting rap by Bahrain-based artist Flipperachi — has traveled freely, finding audiences far beyond cinema halls.
Ironically, the man whose voice helped propel Dhurandhar into viral territory has not yet seen the film himself.
Flipperachi, whose track ‘FA9LA’ became one of the most talked-about elements of the movie — thanks in part to Akshaye Khanna’s unexpected and widely discussed dance sequence — recently shared that he is eagerly waiting for an opportunity to watch the film. The reason he hasn’t? A reported ban in multiple Gulf nations including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Speaking candidly about the situation, the rapper expressed a mix of admiration, curiosity, and disappointment — emotions that echo the sentiments of many artists whose work becomes part of a project they are unable to experience in full.
Dhurandhar
: A Spy Thriller Wrapped in Controversy
Positioned as a gritty espionage drama, Dhurandhar arrived with considerable buzz even before its release. The film brings together two powerful performers from different generations of Bollywood — Akshaye Khanna and Ranveer Singh — promising a blend of experience and intensity.
Spy thrillers have long been a popular genre in Indian cinema, but they also walk a fine line. National security narratives, intelligence agencies, and cross-border tensions often intersect with real-world politics, making such films especially sensitive in regions where geopolitical relationships are complex and deeply rooted.
According to reports, Dhurandhar faced restrictions in Gulf countries due to concerns over its perceived anti-Pakistan narrative. This is particularly significant because many Gulf nations share close diplomatic, cultural, and social ties with Pakistan, along with large Pakistani expatriate populations.
While filmmakers and producers have not always publicly addressed the specifics of such bans, the outcome is clear: cinema halls across the Gulf remained closed to Dhurandhar, even as conversations about the film continued online.
The Rise of ‘FA9LA’: How a Song Outpaced the Film
If Dhurandhar struggled to reach screens in certain regions, its music certainly did not struggle to reach listeners.
The track ‘FA9LA’, performed by Flipperachi, emerged as a standout — not just for its sound, but for how seamlessly it fused modern rap with cinematic storytelling. The song quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with short clips circulating widely on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and X (formerly Twitter).
What truly amplified its popularity was Akshaye Khanna’s dance sequence, an unexpected yet refreshing moment that fans did not see coming. Known primarily for his restrained, intense performances, Khanna’s move into rhythmic expression surprised audiences and became a talking point across platforms.
Memes, reaction videos, and fan edits followed, turning ‘FA9LA’ into a cultural moment rather than just a soundtrack addition.
For Flipperachi, the song’s success marked a significant milestone — proof that independent and regional artists can leave a lasting impact on mainstream Bollywood projects.
Flipperachi: A Voice From Bahrain Making Global Waves
Flipperachi’s journey is emblematic of a new generation of artists who operate beyond traditional industry boundaries. Based in Bahrain, he has carved out a distinct identity in the regional hip-hop and rap scene, blending multilingual influences, sharp lyricism, and contemporary beats.
His involvement in Dhurandhar is particularly noteworthy because it reflects Bollywood’s evolving musical landscape — one that is increasingly open to collaborations with international and diaspora artists.
Yet, despite the song’s reach, the rapper finds himself on the outside looking in.
Speaking about the situation, Flipperachi shared:
“Well, I would really like to watch the movie, to be honest. It’s an interesting film, and I’d like to see it because I’m a big fan of Akshaye Khanna.”
His words underline a deeply personal connection to the project — not just as a contributor, but as a cinema lover.
Admiration for Akshaye Khanna: Respect Across Generations
Flipperachi’s admiration for Akshaye Khanna runs deeper than professional courtesy. Like many fans who grew up watching Bollywood in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Khanna’s filmography left a lasting impression.
“We know that he is a very seasoned actor and a celebrity. Back in the day, we used to watch many of the films he did.”
This nostalgia is shared by a large section of the audience who have welcomed Khanna’s recent resurgence in layered, character-driven roles. His presence in Dhurandhar has been widely described as a “comeback moment,” adding gravitas to the film.
Flipperachi’s desire to see Khanna on screen is not just about fandom — it’s about witnessing the evolution of an artist he has long respected.
Ranveer Singh: Energy, Range, and Global Appeal
Alongside Khanna, Dhurandhar is headlined by Ranveer Singh, an actor known for his versatility, high energy, and fearless approach to roles.
Flipperachi did not shy away from expressing his excitement about Singh’s involvement:
“It would also be great to see Ranveer Singh. These actors have such strong acting and artistic skills that they make you want to watch them and see how they perform.”
Ranveer Singh’s appeal transcends borders, making him one of Bollywood’s most recognizable faces globally. His inclusion in the film likely played a role in drawing international attention to Dhurandhar, even in regions where the movie could not be screened.
When Artists Can’t Access Their Own Work
One of the most striking aspects of this situation is the reality that an artist involved in the film cannot legally watch it in his own country.
This raises broader questions about creative ownership, accessibility, and the unintended consequences of censorship. In a globalized entertainment ecosystem, artists often collaborate across borders — yet distribution rules remain localized.
For musicians like Flipperachi, whose contribution exists independently of the film’s narrative politics, such bans can feel particularly frustrating. The music is celebrated, shared, and replayed endlessly — while the cinematic context remains out of reach.
The Gulf Ban: Culture, Politics, and Sensitivities
The Gulf region has historically exercised caution when it comes to films touching on sensitive geopolitical themes. Given the strong ties many Gulf countries maintain with Pakistan — politically, economically, and demographically — any perceived negative portrayal can prompt scrutiny.
While supporters of such bans argue they help maintain social harmony, critics suggest they limit artistic dialogue and prevent audiences from engaging critically with content.
In Dhurandhar’s case, the reported anti-Pakistan undertones were enough to halt theatrical releases across multiple countries, even as the film continued to spark discussions online.
Social Media: The Great Equalizer
Despite official restrictions, Dhurandhar continues to live online.
Clips from ‘FA9LA’, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and fan reactions have ensured the film remains part of popular culture conversations in the Gulf and beyond. Social media has once again proven that while films can be banned in theaters, they are harder to silence in the digital age.
For Flipperachi, this online buzz offers both comfort and irony — his work is being celebrated in spaces where the film itself cannot be shown.
Bollywood’s Growing Reliance on Global Sounds
The success of ‘FA9LA’ highlights a broader trend in Bollywood: the integration of global musical influences into mainstream cinema. Rap, hip-hop, and fusion sounds are no longer fringe additions — they are central to a film’s identity and marketing.
Artists like Flipperachi represent a new creative bridge between regions, cultures, and industries. Their voices resonate with younger audiences who consume music without borders, playlists without language barriers, and cinema without rigid definitions.
The Emotional Cost of Censorship on Creators
While bans are often discussed in political or legal terms, their emotional impact on creators is rarely acknowledged.
For Flipperachi, the disappointment is palpable — not because of lost revenue or recognition, but because of a missed personal experience. Watching a film you helped bring to life is a milestone for any artist, and being denied that moment can feel deeply unsettling.
Yet, his response remains gracious, rooted in respect for the actors and excitement for the art itself.
A Film That Inspires Curiosity, Even in Absence
Perhaps the most telling takeaway from Flipperachi’s statements is this: Dhurandhar has succeeded in sparking curiosity.
“The film is very interesting, and I really want to see it.”
Even without access, the intrigue remains. And in many ways, that curiosity is a testament to the power of storytelling, performances, and music.
Looking Ahead: Will the Ban Ever Lift?
Historically, bans on films in the Gulf have sometimes been revisited — through edits, delayed releases, or alternative platforms. Whether Dhurandhar will eventually find its way to screens in these regions remains uncertain.
For now, artists like Flipperachi wait — hopeful, patient, and proud of the work they have already shared with the world.
Conclusion: Art Beyond Borders, Even When Borders Push Back
The story of Flipperachi and Dhurandhar is not just about a banned film or a viral song. It is about the contradictions of modern entertainment — where art can be simultaneously celebrated and restricted, amplified and silenced.
In expressing his desire to watch the film, Flipperachi has given voice to countless creators and fans who believe that art should be experienced fully, even when it challenges or provokes.
Until that moment arrives, ‘FA9LA’ continues to play — loud, unapologetic, and borderless — reminding us that while cinema halls may close their doors, music often finds a way in.
