India’s leading film producers’ body has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in diplomatically after the Hindi film Dhurandhar was banned in several Gulf countries, a move the association believes is unjustified and damaging to Indian cinema’s global reach. The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association has expressed concern that the overseas ban, imposed despite the film receiving full certification in India and achieving major commercial success worldwide, undermines creative freedom and threatens the economic interests of Indian filmmakers operating in international markets.
The appeal comes in the wake of reports confirming that Dhurandhar, a spy thriller headlined by Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, has been barred from theatrical release in six Middle Eastern nations. According to the association, the film has been banned in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, all of which are considered close cultural and economic partners of India. The producers’ body has urged the central government to initiate diplomatic dialogue with these countries to seek a review and reversal of the ban.
In its communication, the association emphasised that Dhurandhar was cleared by India’s statutory certification authority and released nationwide without objection. The film went on to record strong box office collections domestically and internationally, reinforcing the argument that it had already undergone regulatory scrutiny and public acceptance. From the producers’ perspective, the overseas ban appears unilateral and inconsistent with the established practice of allowing certified Indian films to screen abroad, particularly in regions with large Indian diaspora populations.
Concerns over freedom of expression and economic impact
The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association has framed the issue as one that goes beyond a single film, describing it as a broader question of artistic freedom and fair access to international markets. In its appeal, the body argued that banning a film without transparent reasoning or engagement with Indian authorities sets a worrying precedent, one that could affect future productions and discourage creative risk-taking. The association maintained that freedom of expression, within the bounds of law, is a cornerstone of democratic societies and an essential component of a vibrant film industry.
From an economic standpoint, the producers’ body highlighted the financial implications of the ban. Distributors estimate that Dhurandhar suffered losses of approximately ₹90 crore in overseas revenues due to its inability to release in key Gulf markets. These regions have historically been among the most lucrative for Hindi films, owing to strong audience demand and well-established distribution networks. The association warned that such losses not only affect producers and distributors but also ripple across the broader ecosystem, impacting exhibitors, technicians and other stakeholders who rely on overseas performance to sustain large-scale productions.
The appeal also stressed that Indian filmmakers have long-standing business relationships in the Middle East, where Indian cinema enjoys a significant following. Many production houses plan releases with these markets in mind, factoring overseas collections into budgets and financing structures. A sudden ban, particularly after a film has been cleared and promoted, disrupts these calculations and introduces uncertainty that could make international distribution more challenging in the future.
The association further pointed out that Dhurandhar continued to perform strongly despite the ban, eventually grossing over ₹1,000 crore at the global box office. This success, according to the producers’ body, underscores the film’s acceptance among audiences worldwide and strengthens the case that the ban does not reflect broader public sentiment. They argued that preventing the film’s exhibition in select territories deprives local audiences of choice while inflicting avoidable financial damage on Indian cinema.
Diplomatic appeal and the film’s global reception
In urging government intervention, the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association has drawn attention to India’s diplomatic and cultural ties with the countries where Dhurandhar has been banned. The letter notes that these nations are regarded as friendly partners with whom India shares deep-rooted economic, social and cultural connections. Indian workers, businesses and cultural institutions have a strong presence across the Gulf, and Indian films have traditionally played a role in reinforcing people-to-people ties.
The association has requested that the government engage with the authorities of the concerned countries to better understand the reasons behind the ban and to seek a resolution through dialogue. According to the producers’ body, diplomatic engagement could help clarify misunderstandings and ensure that certified Indian films are not denied access without due process. They have emphasised that such discussions are not about challenging the sovereignty of other nations, but about fostering mutual understanding and fair treatment for creative works.
Dhurandhar itself has been described as a spy thriller centred on India’s intelligence apparatus, blending action with themes of national security and covert operations. Reports suggest that the film did not receive certification in the Gulf countries due to concerns related to its storyline, its depiction of Pakistan-related elements, and certain scenes deemed sensitive by local authorities. While acknowledging that each country has its own regulatory framework, the producers’ association argued that the absence of prior consultation or detailed explanation has left filmmakers uncertain about how to navigate such issues in the future.
Despite the ban in select territories, the film’s global performance has been robust, reinforcing its status as one of the most commercially successful Indian films of the year. Audiences in other international markets responded positively, contributing to its substantial worldwide earnings and demonstrating the continued appeal of Indian cinema across borders. The association believes this reception further supports the argument that the film should be allowed to screen in all major markets, subject to dialogue and mutual respect for regulatory norms.
By appealing directly to the Prime Minister, the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association has sought to elevate the issue to a national level, framing it as a matter of cultural diplomacy as much as commercial interest. The body has reiterated its faith in dialogue and cooperation, expressing hope that government engagement could help restore access for Dhurandhar and establish clearer pathways for future Indian films in international markets. The episode, they argue, highlights the growing intersection between cinema, diplomacy and global perception, making it imperative for stakeholders to work together to protect the interests of Indian creative industries abroad.
