Indian films Singham Again, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and Amaran will not be released in Saudi Arabia. The three films are slated for release during Diwali. Apart from the Gulf nation, the films will see a regular release in the rest of UAE.
Saudi Arabia is very strict about Indian films. Gulf authorities do not allow Indian movies with nationalistic elements, religious, or sexual content to be screened in theaters. However, this is not the first time that Indian movies have been banned in the Gulf nation.
For those unaware, Saudi Arabian authorities review films and censor or ban those containing religiously sensitive material, explicit sexuality, or themes contradicting their local customs. This approach isn’t just limited to Indian films, but also movies from other regions with similar content. Some films are specifically edited to comply with Saudi standards or not screened at all.
According to a report by Pinkvilla, the ban on Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again arises from its portrayal of “religious conflict,” specifically related to Hindu-Muslim tensions depicted within the storyline. The film is the fifth installment in Shetty’s popular Cop Universe. Ajay Devgn reprises his iconic role as DCP Bajirao Singham alongside Kareena Kapoor, who plays his on-screen wife, Avni Kamat. The film also boasts a star-studded cast, including Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Jackie Shroff.
On the other hand, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, directed by Anees Bazmee, is now banned due to references to homosexuality present in the character portrayals. The film stars Kartik Aaryan in the lead role, with Triptii Dimri, Vidya Balan, and Madhuri Dixit in prominent roles.
In India, like every year, the Diwali window is packed with a bouquet of film releases. Kartik Aaryan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is clashing with Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again on 1 November 2024.
In the South, Tamil films Amaran starring Sivakarthikeyan, Kavin’s Bloody Beggar, and Jayam Ravi’s Brother released on 31 October. Telugu films KA, Bagheera, and Lucky Baskhar also released on the same date.
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