Not Just Fighter, These 8 Indian Movies Were Also Banned In Gulf Countries

Indian cinema, especially Bollywood, has a massive fan base in the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). And, that’s the reason why the news of Fighter being banned in the Gulf region, except for the UAE, shocked everyone. But this isn’t the first time, the Indian movies have faced bans in the Middle East. Before Fighter, several Indian films have faced bans in the Middle East. Here are some notable ones:

1. Fighter

Siddharth Anand’s film starring Hrithik Roshan was banned in the Gulf region, except for the UAE. The reason remains undisclosed, and it’s set to be released in the UAE with a PG15 classification. The makers are yet to announce the reason behind the ban. We will keep you posted. 

2. Beast

Nelson Dilipkumar’s 2022 spy thriller, featuring Vijay and Pooja Hegde, was banned in Qatar and Kuwait. Allegedly, the ban was due to its portrayal of Pakistan and terrorism.

3. The Kashmir Files

Vivek Agnihotri’s controversial film faced bans in some Gulf countries initially, with Kuwait opting not to release it. The UAE lifted its ban a few weeks later. The film explores the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in the early 1990s.

4. Bell Bottom

Inspired by the hijacking of Indian aircraft by Khalistani terrorists, this 2021 film featuring Akshay Kumar faced bans in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar for allegedly distorting historical facts.

5. Kurup

Srinath Rajendra’s Malayalam biopic, banned in Kuwait, portrays the life of fugitive Sukumara Kurup. Despite its commercial success, the film was reportedly banned due to its portrayal of an Indian fugitive seeking refuge in a GCC nation.

6. The Dirty Picture

Vidya Balan’s bold and critically acclaimed film, “The Dirty Picture,” was banned in Kuwait due to its explicit and daring scenes. The film, depicting the life of southern sex symbol Silk Smitha, faced scrutiny for its bold portrayal of the entertainment industry.

7. OMG – Oh My God!

Despite its release in 2012, the film starring Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, “OMG – Oh My God!,” was banned in several Middle Eastern countries. The movie, known for its satirical take on religious practices, stirred controversy and faced objections from some conservative groups in the region.

8. Samrat Prithviraj

The historical epic “Samrat Prithviraj” faced bans in Kuwait and Oman. The film, which delves into the life of the legendary king Prithviraj Chauhan, reportedly faced criticism for distorting historical facts and potentially hurting sentiments of the Muslim community. The ban reflected the sensitivity surrounding historical narratives in the region.

9. Tiger 3

According to MiddleEastMonitor, the recently released Hindi-language action film “Tiger 3” has been banned in Gulf states Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. The ban is reportedly due to concerns that the film portrays Muslims in a negative light. This adds “Tiger 3” to the list of Indian films facing bans in the Middle East, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny and sensitivity around cultural and religious portrayals in cinema.

What do you think about the ban? Tell us in the comments below.