The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Government of India to intervene diplomatically and request Gulf nations to revoke the ban on the blockbuster Hindi spy thriller Dhurandhar, which has been barred from theatrical release across major Middle Eastern markets.
Ban in Gulf States Despite Global Success
Despite Dhurandhar’s record-breaking performance in India and overseas — where it has amassed more than ₹1,200 crore in worldwide box-office revenue — film authorities in six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have blocked its theatrical screening. The list includes the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
IMPPA argues that the ban is unilateral and unjustified, especially since the film received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before release. The association’s letter described the move as a suppression of creative freedom and a blow to the film’s makers, who complied with all regulatory requirements.
What IMPPA Asked PM Modi To Do
In the appeal — signed by IMPPA President Abhay Sinha — the association highlighted India’s strong diplomatic and economic ties with the Gulf states and requested the government to use diplomatic channels to raise the issue with authorities in the affected countries. The letter reads in part:
“We earnestly appeal to your kind self to intervene regarding the unilateral and uncalled-for ban imposed on the film Dhurandhar … and make efforts to ensure that freedom of expression is respected and the ban is revoked at the earliest.”
The appeal was also reportedly forwarded to Union Ministers including the Minister of Information and Broadcasting and the External Affairs Minister, indicating the seriousness with which the film industry is treating the issue.
Middle East: A Crucial Overseas Market
The Middle Eastern market has traditionally been a stronghold for Indian films, especially action-oriented and star-driven projects. With a large South Asian diaspora spread across countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, these territories often contribute significantly to overseas box-office earnings. The ban has deprived Dhurandhar of this opportunity, despite its enormous success elsewhere.
Industry experts say that if the film had been released in the Gulf, it could potentially have added tens of millions more to its global haul, further cementing its commercial standing among the highest-grossing Indian films ever. (Fan discussions note the lost potential from the banned markets.)
Government Response and What’s Next
As of now, there has been no official response from the Prime Minister’s Office or the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the IMPPA’s appeal. Sources suggest that any diplomatic effort would be handled through established bilateral channels, since entertainment content and cultural exchange often involve nuanced regulatory considerations.
With Dhurandhar’s sequel already in the works for a 2026 Eid release, industry circles are watching closely to see whether this overseas ban — and the government’s potential intervention — will influence distribution strategies for future films of similar geopolitical scale.
Final Take
The IMPPA’s appeal to PM Narendra Modi highlights how entertainment and diplomacy intersect when a major cultural export — especially a blockbuster film — faces restrictions abroad. As Dhurandhar achieves unprecedented success at home, the industry hopes that dialogue with Gulf authorities will restore its access to millions of overseas viewers and affirm the principle of creative freedom in cross-border cinema distribution.
