In India's film industry, there have been a number of films that have been banned. At the same time, numerous critically and commercially successful Bollywood films have gone unnoticed on the worldwide stage. While some films were denied distribution due to allegations of 'distorting facts,' others were withdrawn from theatres to avoid 'hurting emotions.' The following is a list of 8 popular Indian films that have been banned in other countries.
1. Bell Bottom
Akshay Kumar took the risk and released his film 'Bell Bottom' in theatres as the first Bollywood celebrity to do so. On Monday, however, it was announced that the movie has been banned in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Members of the film certification boards in the aforementioned nations allegedly stated that the film (based on true events) "tampered with historical facts..." According to reports, 'Bell Bottom' depicts the hijackers flying the plane from Lahore to Dubai. In the real 1984 event, the UAE Defense Minister, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, handled the issue personally, and the UAE authorities were credited with arresting the hijackers.
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2. Padmaavat
The film 'Padmaavat,' directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, sparked controversy not just in India but also in Malaysia. The film was prohibited by the country's censor board because it dealt with "Islamic sensitivities." When the chairman of the National Picture Censorship Board (LPF) claimed the lavishly-produced film was not certified because it may insult Muslims in the country, he made headlines.
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3. Neerja
With the film 'Neerja,' based on the life of air hostess Neerja Bhanot, Sonam Kapoor produced one of her best performances to date; yet, her Pakistani admirers were unable to view the film. 'Neerja' has been added to the growing list of Indian films that have been banned in Pakistan for portraying the country in a negative light. The film was based on the actual story of a courageous woman who gave her life to save people kidnapped by terrorists.
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4. The Dirty Picture
Outside of India, Vidya Balan's award-winning film 'The Dirty Picture,' based on the life of actress Silk Smitha, did not receive its due. According to reports, the film was banned in numerous places, including Kuwait, because Vidya's role was deemed "too bold" for their audience by the censor board.
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5. Delhi Belly
Because of its controversial and bold themes, 'Delhi Belly' has become a cult hit in India. The film, however, encountered a snag in Nepal when the censor board intervened and halted showing. Excessive cursing and a few sequences deemed 'obscene' were blamed, according to reports. The film was prohibited within two days of its premiere because the 'obscene' portions were not removed.
6. Oh My God
'Oh My God,' starring Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, was one of India's biggest box office hits, receiving acclaim for pushing the limit and raising issues about religious fanaticism. Despite positive reviews and critical praise, the film was prohibited from screening in many Middle Eastern nations because it would 'hurt religious feelings.' The United Arab Emirates was one of the numerous nations that outlawed the film.
7. Fiza
The Hrithik Roshan and Karisma Kapoor film sparked debate both at home and abroad when it was released. Hrithik played a middle-class Muslim guy who becomes a terrorist in the film. This plot did not sit well with Malaysian officials, who banned the movie and stated in a statement, "A Muslim cannot be a terrorist."
8. Bombay
The critically acclaimed Mani Ratnam directorial 'Bombay' will always be remembered as one of India's best films. The film, which was based on the events that led to the 1992-1993 riots in Bombay (now Mumbai), had a difficult time in theatres. Apart from the violent occurrences that occurred during the film's release in India, the Singapore government banned the picture due to'religious tensions.'
