The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting his intervention after the blockbuster film Dhurandhar was banned from theatrical release in several Middle Eastern nations. The producers' body has labeled the move a direct attack on creative freedom and expression.
Formal Appeal to the Prime Minister
In a formal letter addressed to PM Modi, IMPPA has sought urgent government action to reverse what it calls a "unilateral and uncalled for ban." The ban was enforced by authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, despite the film having received full certification from India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The appeal, signed by IMPPA President Abhay Sinha, emphasized that the decision undermines the creative rights of the producer and the wider Indian film community. The association highlighted that the film was released legally in India after due process and has become one of the biggest hits in Indian cinema history.
Financial and Diplomatic Stakes
This appeal comes as Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, continues its record-shattering run at the global box office. The film has amassed worldwide collections exceeding ₹1,200 crore. However, industry analysts point to substantial financial losses due to the Gulf ban, with potential missed revenue estimated in the tens of crores of rupees.
The Middle East is a crucial overseas market for Bollywood, especially for big-budget action spectacles. IMPPA's letter strategically notes that the banning countries are "India-friendly" nations with robust multi-sector economic ties. The association urged the Indian government to leverage these diplomatic and commercial relationships to engage in dialogue and get the ban revoked.
Content Sensitivity and Past Precedents
While no official reason has been provided by the Gulf authorities, industry sources indicate that Dhurandhar's narrative, which involves an undercover agent infiltrating terror networks, likely touched on sensitive geopolitical themes. Films with perceived political or national security content have faced similar restrictions in the region before.
This incident has reignited discussions on film censorship and cultural diplomacy. Other Indian films, including Fighter (2024), have encountered varied release statuses in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries due to content regulations.
Despite the Gulf hurdle, Dhurandhar has performed exceptionally well in other international markets like North America, Canada, and Australia, drawing massive crowds from the diaspora. The controversy has also fueled significant online discussion regarding access to creative content.
