Istafa Ali
Unexpectedly, there has been a barrier to the release of Fighter in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. Fighter was initially exempt from the prohibitions put in place in other Gulf nations, but according to recent reports from Bollywood Hungama and Times of India, it is now also blocked in the United Arab Emirates.
The film’s story, which centers on India’s reaction to the delicate Pulwama terrorist attack, has sparked controversy and resulted in regional bans. Fans in the Gulf countries who were excitedly anticipating the film’s release will be disappointed, according to earlier reports by Filmfare and Hindustan Times, as Fighter was not allowed to be released in any of the Gulf countries save the United Arab Emirates. The precise reason behind the ban was first kept a secret.
Girish Johar, a trade analyst, affirmed this. On X, he said, “Fighter was officially banned for theatrical release throughout the Middle East due to a setback.” The PG15-rated movie will only be released in the United Arab Emirates.” According to the Times of India, recent reports indicate that the UAE has also banned the movie, with confirmation from the movie’s UAE distributor.
The trailer for the movie drew criticism, especially for how it portrayed the Pulwama assault. The movie was accused of abusing a delicate subject and pushing a “anti-Pakistan” agenda in certain areas of Pakistan. The film’s contentious premise and these criticisms probably had an impact on the Gulf censor boards’ choices.
In response to the worries, director Siddharth Anand advised people not to base their opinions solely on the trailer and to see the movie through to the end for context. He emphasized that the goal of Fighter is to discuss terrorism without inciting hostility against any country. The main actors reflected this idea, emphasizing the movie’s call for cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Fighter’s Indian theatrical run will go on despite the suspension and prohibitions. The movie also stars Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, and Sanjeeda Shaikh in addition to Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. Marflix Pictures and Viacom18 Studios collaborated in its production.
