Kargil, Jan 2: The Union Territory of Ladakh has declared the blockbuster thriller Dhurandhar tax-free across the region, in a move aimed at promoting the area as a premier filming destination.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta approved the exemption from entertainment tax, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor announced in an official statement on X. The decision comes after the film’s strong box office performance since its early December release.
“Lt Governor Shri @KavinderGupta declares Bollywood film Dhurandhar tax-free in UT #Ladakh. Shot extensively in the region, the film spotlights Ladakh’s cinematic landscapes, signalling strong support for filmmakers and reinforcing the UT’s push to emerge as a preferred [filming destination],” the post read.
The film was shot extensively across Ladakh, showcasing its breathtaking mountain landscapes and high-altitude terrain. The tax-free status is seen as both recognition of the film’s promotion of the region and an incentive for future productions to choose Ladakh as a shooting location.
Industry experts view the move as a strategic win for local cinema tourism, potentially opening doors for more high-budget productions to explore Ladakh’s unique topography.
Dhurandhar has set new records at the box office, crossing Rs 1000 crore worldwide in just 21 days. The film has earned over Rs 650 crore domestically, driven by its high-octane action sequences and real-life-inspired espionage narrative that have pulled massive crowds.
Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film has maintained strong momentum weeks after its premiere, defying the typical theatrical slowdown.
Directed by National Award-winner Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role of a covert operative. The ensemble cast includes Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal.
The plot focuses on large-scale espionage operations based on true events, with Ranveer Singh’s intense performance as a spy winning praise for its grit and emotional depth.
The Ladakh administration’s decision to make the film tax-free underscores the region’s ambition to position itself as a key hub for the Indian film industry, leveraging its stunning natural beauty and unique locations to attract major productions.