In a formal letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the producers’ body described the decision as unilateral and called for its early reversal through government-level engagement. IMPPA said the ban has adversely affected Indian producers and distributors who rely heavily on overseas markets, particularly the Gulf region, which has a large Indian diaspora and a strong appetite for Hindi cinema.
According to the association, Dhurandhar received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India and was released nationwide without objection. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, went on to record strong box office numbers domestically and internationally. IMPPA argued that restrictions imposed outside India, despite domestic certification, undermine creative freedom and disrupt the global business of Indian cinema.
The film, a spy thriller centred on India’s intelligence apparatus, reportedly faced objections in the Gulf over its storyline, certain scenes and references linked to Pakistan. While authorities in the region did not issue detailed public explanations, industry sources said the content was deemed sensitive under local censorship norms, resulting in the refusal to grant screening permission.
IMPPA highlighted that the countries enforcing the ban are among India’s key strategic and economic partners. The association noted India’s longstanding cultural ties with the Gulf, where Indian films, artists and technicians have maintained a consistent presence for decades. Given these close relations, the body said it was appropriate for the Indian government to raise the issue through diplomatic channels and seek a resolution that respects cultural sensitivities while protecting artistic expression.
The financial impact of the ban has been significant. Distributors estimate that Dhurandhar suffered an overseas revenue loss of around ₹90 crore due to its absence from Gulf theatres. Despite this setback, the film reportedly crossed ₹1,000 crore in global box office collections, buoyed by strong performance in India and other international markets.
Industry observers say the episode underscores the recurring challenges Indian filmmakers face with overseas censorship, particularly in regions with stricter content regulations. IMPPA has urged the Centre to develop a framework for addressing such disputes, ensuring that Indian films cleared at home are not disproportionately restricted abroad.
Film Body Seeks PM Modi’s Intervention After ‘Dhurandhar’ Banned in Six Gulf Nations
Digital Desk
In a formal letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the producers’ body described the decision as unilateral and called for its early reversal through government-level engagement. IMPPA said the ban has adversely affected Indian producers and distributors who rely heavily on overseas markets, particularly the Gulf region, which has a large Indian diaspora and a strong appetite for Hindi cinema.
According to the association, Dhurandhar received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India and was released nationwide without objection. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, went on to record strong box office numbers domestically and internationally. IMPPA argued that restrictions imposed outside India, despite domestic certification, undermine creative freedom and disrupt the global business of Indian cinema.
The film, a spy thriller centred on India’s intelligence apparatus, reportedly faced objections in the Gulf over its storyline, certain scenes and references linked to Pakistan. While authorities in the region did not issue detailed public explanations, industry sources said the content was deemed sensitive under local censorship norms, resulting in the refusal to grant screening permission.
IMPPA highlighted that the countries enforcing the ban are among India’s key strategic and economic partners. The association noted India’s longstanding cultural ties with the Gulf, where Indian films, artists and technicians have maintained a consistent presence for decades. Given these close relations, the body said it was appropriate for the Indian government to raise the issue through diplomatic channels and seek a resolution that respects cultural sensitivities while protecting artistic expression.
The financial impact of the ban has been significant. Distributors estimate that Dhurandhar suffered an overseas revenue loss of around ₹90 crore due to its absence from Gulf theatres. Despite this setback, the film reportedly crossed ₹1,000 crore in global box office collections, buoyed by strong performance in India and other international markets.
Industry observers say the episode underscores the recurring challenges Indian filmmakers face with overseas censorship, particularly in regions with stricter content regulations. IMPPA has urged the Centre to develop a framework for addressing such disputes, ensuring that Indian films cleared at home are not disproportionately restricted abroad.
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