IMPPA slams the Middle East ban on Hindi Film ‘Dhurandhar,’ writes to PM Modi seeking intervention.

Patna, January 8, 2026: The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) has strongly objected to the ban imposed on the Hindi Film ‘Dhurandhar’ by several Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates.

IMPPA President Abhay Sinha on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Indian government to intervene diplomatically and ensure the ban is lifted.

In this letter, Sinha described the ban imposed by the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia as unilateral, unjustified, and a direct assault on freedom of expression.

IMPPA President claimed it is a direct attack on creative freedom:

Abhay Sinha pointed out that Dhurandhar was released only after receiving due certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India and has emerged as one of the biggest commercial successes in Indian cinema.

“Despite receiving statutory clearance in India and achieving massive success, the banning of the film by friendly nations without any clear explanation is deeply unfortunate,” Sinha said.

The IMPPA president added that the move not only violates the rights of Indian filmmakers but also reflects an insensitive approach towards India’s creative ecosystem.

Calling the ban an attempt to suppress artistic expression, the IMPPA president said it directly affects producers who are members of the association.

“Cinema is not merely entertainment: it is a powerful medium of cultural exchange. Arbitrarily stopping a film without a valid justification goes against democratic and cultural values,” he said.

Sinha emphasized that IMPPA, one of the oldest and largest producers’ associations in India, considers the matter serious enough to warrant immediate government intervention.

Appeal for diplomatic dialogue:

Highlighting India’s strong diplomatic, trade, and cultural ties with the countries concerned, Sinha urged the Centre to address the issue through dialogue.

“The UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are friendly nations with which India shares deep-rooted relations. We believe this issue can be resolved through mutual understanding and diplomatic engagement,” he wrote.

He stressed that the controversy goes beyond a single film and has long-term implications for the future of Indian cinema and creative freedom on the global stage.

Expressing confidence in the leadership of the Indian government, Sinha said timely intervention would not only provide relief to the film industry but also reinforce India’s credibility as a defender of artistic and cultural expression internationally.

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EOM.