Mumbai: The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention over the ban on ‘Dhurandhar’ in Middle-Eastern countries.
In a strongly-worded letter addressed to Modi, IMPPA called the Middle-East ban “unilateral and uncalled for,” and argued that it is unacceptable suppression of creative freedom.
Stressing that ‘Dhurandhar’ was released in India only after receiving certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the association questioned the grounds on which the spy thriller was blocked in Middle-Eastern countries.
“We earnestly a
ppeal 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,” the letter stated.
It further stated that banning the release of a CBFC-certified film violates the freedom of expression of filmmakers.
Highlighting India’s longstanding diplomatic relationships with Middle-Eastern countries, the IMPPA urged the Indian government to look into the matter through official channels.
The letter, signed by IMPPA president Abhay Sinha, appealed to the Centre to intervene “with folded hands,” and to initiate discussions with the concerned authorities to respect artistic freedom and lift the ban on the film at the earliest.
Released on December 5, ‘Dhurandhar’, which was granted an ‘A’ certificate by the CBFC, has turned out to be a huge blockbuster by collecting more than Rs 1,200 crore worldwide.
Despite its massive success in India, the film has not been released in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.