IMPPA seeks PM intervention over ban on Dhurandhar in UAE
The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene on the “unilateral” ban on Hindi film Dhurandhar in the United Arab Emirates and several other Middle Eastern countries, terming the move a suppression of freedom of expression.
Since its release on December 5, Dhurandhar has emerged as the highest-earning Hindi film ever with a net India collection of over Rs 831 crore. Globally, the movie has grossed over Rs 1220 crore.
In a letter addressed to the prime minister, the IMPPA said the film has been banned in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia despite receiving certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). “We earnestly appeal to your kind self to intervene regarding the unilateral and uncalled-for ban imposed on the film Dhurandhar by the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
“Our member producer has made this film and has released the same after getting certification by the Central Board of Film Certification and the ban imposed by the above countries is a suppression of the freedom of expression of our member as the film has emerged as one of the biggest hits in Indian cinema,” the letter read.
The letter follows reports last month stating that Dhurandhar has banned in the Gulf. Written and directed by Aditya Dhar of Uri: The Surgical Strike fame, Dhurandhar is a high-octane spy thriller and features Ranveer Singh in the lead role.
The film follows covert intelligence operations set against a backdrop of geopolitical and terror events like the Kandahar plane hijack, the 2001 Parliament Attack and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
