IMPPA urges PM Modi to step in after Dhurandhar ban in Gulf countries
The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene after Dhurandhar, the Ranveer Singh–starrer spy thriller, was reportedly banned in several Middle Eastern markets. In a letter stamped by IMPPA President Abhay Sinha, the trade body described the restrictions as “unilateral and uncalled for” and warned they amount to “a suppression of the freedom of expression of our member.”
Which countries have banned the film?
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
The association has asked the Government of India to take up the matter with authorities in these nations, noting they are “India friendly” and maintain regular business and cultural ties with India. Copies of the appeal were also sent to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
What IMPPA is arguing
IMPPA’s letter frames the ban primarily as a freedom of expression and market-access issue. The association emphasised that Dhurandhar was certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India and has been a major commercial success at home, breaking records and connecting strongly with Indian audiences.
“We humbly request that the Government of India take up this matter with the concerned authorities … and make efforts to ensure that freedom of expression is respected and the ban is revoked at the earliest,” the appeal reads.
Controversy over content — and the industry view
Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and headlined by Ranveer Singh, has generated debate over its geopolitical themes. Some critics have labelled parts of the film as biased or propagandist, while supporters in the industry have defended its storytelling, performances and technical craft.
Despite these divergent views, producers and industry bodies are treating the Middle East ban less as an artistic or content dispute and more as a commercial and rights issue — arguing that blocking a certified Indian film in international markets sets a worrying precedent.
Box office impact
Industry insiders say the ban has had a tangible economic effect. The Gulf region is traditionally a strong market for high-octane Indian action films, and Dhurandhar’s absence from cinemas there likely cost the movie significant revenue. Domestically the film continues to perform well, reportedly nearing a Rs. 5 crore daily mark on a recent Wednesday and on track to cross the Rs. 850 crore milestone over the weekend.
What could happen next?
The ball now rests with diplomatic channels. IMPPA’s request asks the government to engage with the concerned countries to seek a revocation of the ban and to safeguard creative freedom and market access for Indian films abroad. How quickly those conversations move and whether the bans are reversed remains to be seen.
For now, Dhurandhar continues to play in territories where it is approved, while the industry watches closely as producers push for a resolution that protects both creative expression and overseas box office opportunities.
