Confirmed: Hrithik Roshan's 'Fighter' Will Not Screen in UAE

The much-anticipated Bollywood action-thriller 'Fighter' faced an unexpected setback as it was prohibited from screening in the UAE and across several Gulf countries. Originally scheduled for release on Saturday, January 27, the film left residents surprised when showtimes were unavailable, and ticket bookings were impossible to make.

Suspension Confirmed

Last weekend, both VOX and Reel Cinemas customer care representatives confirmed the film's suspension, stating that it had been red-flagged by Dubai authorities. While specifics regarding the suspension were lacking, a statement from the film's distributor, Home Screen Entertainment, further confirmed the halt in the UAE.

Regional Ban

'Fighter,' starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, centers around the Indian Air Force and is known for its portrayal of national security issues. However, the movie faced bans across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Possible Reasons

While the exact reasons behind the ban remain undisclosed, speculations suggest concerns over potentially disturbing or objectionable content by censor boards. Furthermore, there's speculation regarding the depiction of Muslims as 'terrorists' and attempts to manipulate historical events, possibly to glorify the Indian army, as contributing factors to the film's rejection.

Stay up to date with the latest Gulf news. Follow Gulf Moments on WhatsApp Channels and subscribe to our daily newsletter.