In a significant move to protect the global interests of Indian cinema, the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has formally appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the escalating controversy surrounding the film Dhurandhar. The high-octane spy thriller, which has shattered domestic box office records, remains barred from theaters across six major Gulf nations: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
Directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar has emerged as a cultural phenomenon in India. As of early January 2026, the film has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Hindi film to cross ₹800 crore net at the domestic box office. Globally, its earnings have soared past the ₹1,250 crore mark, despite being shut out of one of Bollywood’s most lucrative overseas territories.
The film, which depicts an Indian intelligence operative (played by Singh) conducting a covert mission in Karachi, has been flagged by Middle Eastern censors for its “anti-Pakistan” narrative and “politically sensitive” themes.
In a strongly worded letter signed by IMPPA President Abhay Sinha, the association described the ban as a “suppression of freedom of expression.” The appeal highlights that the film was duly certified by India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and should be respected as a legitimate creative work.
“We earnestly appeal to your kind self to intervene regarding the unilateral and uncalled-for ban imposed on the film Dhurandhar,” the letter states. “As UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are India-friendly countries with whom we conduct regular business across multiple sectors, we request the Government of India to take up this matter through diplomatic channels.”
Industry analysts note that Dhurandhar is the latest in a series of “pro-Bharat” films—including Fighter, Article 370, and Tiger 3—to face resistance in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The IMPPA argued that such bans not only cause immense financial loss to producers but also hinder India’s “soft power” in a region with a massive Indian diaspora.
The Middle East typically accounts for nearly 20% to 25% of a major Bollywood film’s overseas revenue. For a film of Dhurandhar’s scale, the inability to release in the Gulf represents a potential loss of ₹100–150 crore in additional revenue.
Beyond the finances, the IMPPA’s appeal to the PMO signals a desire for a long-term diplomatic framework to ensure that Indian content, once cleared by the CBFC, does not face arbitrary hurdles in friendly nations.
While the Prime Minister’s Office has yet to issue an official statement, the film fraternity is hopeful that the “strong personal rapport” PM Modi shares with Gulf leaders could lead to a breakthrough for the film’s release. To know such latest updates tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
