The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in after Dhurandhar, the Ranveer Singh–starrer spy thriller, was reportedly banned in several Middle Eastern countries. The producers’ body described the restrictions as “unilateral and uncalled for” and framed the move as both a freedom-of-expression issue and a commercial loss for Indian cinema.
IMPPA’s appeal to the Prime Minister
In a letter signed by IMPPA President Abhay Sinha, the association urged the government to take up the matter with authorities in the Gulf. The letter says: “We earnestly appeal to your kind self to intervene regarding the unilateral and uncalled for ban imposed on the film Dhurandhar … the ban imposed … is a suppression of the freedom of expression of our member.”
IMPPA added that it had sent copies of the appeal to Union ministers, including Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and asked the government to work towards an early revocation of the ban.
Where the film was reportedly banned
- United Arab Emirates
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
Why the ban matters
IMPPA emphasised that the countries that imposed the ban are generally “India friendly” and maintain regular cultural and business ties with India. The association framed the issue mainly as one of market access and freedom of expression rather than an internal debate about the film’s content.
Industry sources say the ban has had a tangible economic effect: Dhurandhar reportedly missed out on significant box office revenue in the Gulf, a traditionally strong market for Indian action films. While the film continues to perform well in markets where it released, the absence from cinemas across the Gulf has likely dented its overseas haul.
Film status and controversy
Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, was certified in India by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and became a major domestic hit, breaking records and drawing praise from many critics and audiences.
At the same time, the film has sparked controversy for its portrayal of geopolitical themes. Some critics have called certain aspects biased or propagandist, while supporters in the industry have defended its storytelling and production values. IMPPA and producers, however, are treating the Middle East ban primarily as a diplomatic and commercial problem rather than a domestic censorship matter.
Box office context
On the home front, Dhurandhar continues to put up impressive numbers. Reports indicate the film stayed close to the Rs. 5 crore mark on a recent Wednesday and was expected to cross the Rs. 850 crore mark over the following weekend. The Gulf market’s absence therefore represents a meaningful chunk of potential revenue that the makers won’t be able to capitalise on unless the ban is lifted.
What’s next
IMPPA has asked the government to intervene and engage the concerned authorities to ensure freedom of expression is respected and the ban is revoked at the earliest. The coming days will show whether diplomatic outreach can secure a reversal and reopen an important market for Indian films.
For now, the episode has sharpened a broader conversation in Bollywood about how geopolitics affects distribution and creative freedom, and whether industry bodies and the government should take a more active role when films face cross-border restrictions.