The action film ‘Fighter,’ featuring Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan, gained attention as it faced a ban in several Gulf states, excluding the UAE. Recent reports now suggest that the movie is on the verge of a “suspension” in the UAE, with major theater chains removing booking options.
Fans were surprised by this development when the film’s UAE distributor officially confirmed the suspension. Although the exact reason for the ban remains undisclosed, reports hint at “some objectionable content in the film” as the catalyst.
The controversy surrounds the film’s plot, centered on India’s response to the sensitive terrorist attack in Pulwama, India-held Kashmir. Despite earlier expectations of a PG 15 rating in the UAE, the film now faces uncertainty in the region.
Concerns about the portrayal of the Pulwama attack led to disapproval from certain factions in Pakistan, accusing the film of exploiting a delicate matter and promoting an “anti-Pakistan” stance. This critique, combined with the contentious subject matter, likely influenced the decisions of Gulf censor boards.
Director Siddharth Anand responded to the concerns, urging the public to watch the entire film for context before forming opinions based solely on the trailer. He emphasized that ‘Fighter’ aims to raise questions about terrorism rather than incite hostility.
The suspension in the Gulf region is expected to significantly impact the film’s global box office earnings, given the area’s importance as a prominent international market for Bollywood films. Industry professionals now highlight the film’s need for a strong domestic box office performance to compensate for financial setbacks.
‘Fighter,’ starring Hrithik, Deepika, Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, and Sanjeeda Shaikh, is set to be released today.
