The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has formally approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene in the banning of the Indian film Dhurandhar by several Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

In its appeal, the association described the ban as “unilateral and uncalled for,” stating that it undermines freedom of expression despite the film having received certification from India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). IMPPA noted that Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the biggest commercial successes in Indian cinema, making the overseas ban particularly damaging for the industry.

The producers’ body emphasised that the Middle Eastern nations involved share long-standing friendly relations with India and maintain strong business and cultural ties, including in the entertainment sector. IMPPA urged the Government of India to raise the matter diplomatically and work towards the early revocation of the ban in the interest of creative freedom and international cultural exchange.

The appeal was signed by Abhay Sinha, President of IMPPA. Copies of the letter were also marked to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking coordinated action.

📄 Full Text of the Appeal Letter

To,
Shri Narendra Modi ji
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
South Block, Raisina Hill
New Delhi – 110011

Sub: Appeal to intervene in the matter of banning of film ‘Dhurandhar’ by UAE and other Middle Eastern Countries

Respected Sir,

We earnestly appeal to your kind self to intervene regarding the unilateral and uncalled for ban imposed on the film ‘Dhurandhar’ by the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Our member producer has made this film and has released the same after getting certification by the Central Board of Film Certification and the ban imposed by the above countries is a suppression of the Freedom of Expression of our member as the film has emerged as one of the biggest hits in Indian cinema.

We as representatives of the largest and oldest Producers’ Association, IMPPA, request you earnestly with folded hands to kindly intervene as UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are India friendly countries and we conduct regular business with them across multiple sectors. We therefore humbly request that the Government of India take up this matter with the concerned authorities in these countries and make efforts to ensure that freedom of expression is respected and the ban is revoked at the earliest.

We shall be highly obliged to you if you could kindly do the needful at the earliest as it is a matter of great importance to the country.

Thanking you,
Yours faithfully
INDIAN MOTION PICTURE PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION

(ABHAY SINHA)
PRESIDENT

Copy to:
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji
Hon’ble Minister for Information and Broadcasting, India

Shri S. Jaishankar ji
Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, India

The appeal has reignited debate within the Indian film fraternity on artistic freedom, overseas censorship, and the need for stronger institutional support to protect Indian cinema’s global presence.