Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been urged by the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) to step in and stop what it claims is a unilateral ban on the Hindi movie Dhurandhar in the United Arab Emirates and a number of other Middle Eastern nations. The action has been characterized by the association as a repression of free speech.

Despite being certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), IMPPA claimed in a letter to PM Modi that the movie has been banned in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

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IMPPA on the prohibition of Dhurandhar in Gulf nations

"We humbly request that you step in to address the unjustified and unilateral ban that the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have placed on the movie "Dhurandhar." The letter stated, "The ban imposed by the aforementioned countries is a suppression of our member's freedom of expression as the film has emerged as one of the biggest hits in Indian cinema. Our member producer made this film and released it after receiving certification from the Central Board of Film Certification."

The appeal comes after it was reported last month that Dhurandhar had been outlawed in all Gulf nations.

Background of the film and box office situation

Dhurandhar, a high-octane spy thriller, is written and directed by Aditya Dhar of Uri: The Surgical Strike fame. In the context of actual geopolitical and terrorist incidents like the hijacking of the Kandahar plane, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the movie tracks covert intelligence operations. The story takes place mostly in Lyari, Karachi, a neighborhood notorious for its violent turf wars and gang conflicts.

At the box office, the movie has set new records. With a net India collection of over Rs 831 crore and a global gross of over Rs 1,220 crore since its release on December 5, Dhurandhar has become the highest-earning Hindi film ever.

According to IMPPA, which bills itself as the nation's biggest and oldest producers' association, India maintains cordial ties and frequent commercial interactions with the relevant nations in a variety of industries. Therefore, we respectfully ask that the Indian government address this issue with the relevant authorities in these nations and work to guarantee that freedom of expression is upheld and the prohibition is lifted as soon as possible. Since this is a crucial issue for the nation, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take the necessary action as soon as possible," the association stated.

Danish Pandor's remarks regarding the prohibition of Dhurandhar in Gulf nations

Danish Pandor, who portrayed Uzair Baloch in Dhurandhar, discussed the movie's alleged prohibition in Gulf countries. "It should be released," he revealed exclusively. That's what I think. I also talked to people, but I'm not sure why it hasn't been released in the United Arab Emirates or many other Gulf nations. I'm not aware of the precise cause. However, the movie would have been huge if it had also opened there.

"But I'm not sure why. I'm hoping it comes out soon. Many people, including my friends, have messaged me to ask why Dhurandhar is not being released in the Gulf. He went on, "Maybe they should actually wait for the movie to stream on Netflix. I have no reason, but I would definitely want them to watch it, but I don't know how." I hope it also releases there [in the Gulf].

Additionally, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw have received the letter. The movie, which stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, R Madhavan, and Rakesh Bedi, is produced by Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar under B62 Studios in collaboration with Jio Studios.

On March 19, 2026, Dhurandhar Part 2 will be released, competing at the box office with Yash's Toxic.

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