Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone's New Film Banned in GCC Except UAE
Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone's much-awaited film, "Fighter," directed by Siddharth Anand, is set to hit theaters on January 25, 2024. The star-studded cast, including Anil Kapoor, Akshay Oberoi, and Karan Singh Grover, has generated significant buzz. However, the film's release in most Gulf countries, excluding the UAE, faces unexpected obstacles, casting a shadow over its global debut.
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Obstacles in Gulf Release
Despite positive reception and satisfactory bookings, "Fighter" failed to secure clearance from the GCC Censors, marking a substantial setback for the filmmakers. The denial was officially communicated on January 23, following a censor screening on January 10, 2024.
Why is the Fighter Movie Banned in the Gulf Countries
While the reasons for this denial remain undisclosed, there's speculation that it may be linked to content perceived as either highly disturbing or objectionable by the censor board. Additionally, there's a suggestion that the film might have faced rejection due to concerns about the portrayal of Muslims as 'terrorists.' Some argue that attempts to alter the facts of real events from 2-4 years ago, possibly to glorify the Indian army, could have contributed to the decision.
Potential Business Losses
This denial comes on the heels of the recent banning of "Tiger 3" in Kuwait and Qatar, reflecting a growing trend. The GCC Censors' refusal to clear "Fighter" could result in significant financial losses, estimated to be between 500,000 to 1 Million dollars in Gulf countries, raising concerns within the Bollywood film industry.
Advance Bookings and Revenue Insights
Despite the Gulf setback, "Fighter" has garnered around 3 crores in advance bookings on the first day. The movie's diverse format options, including 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D, and 4DX 3D, witnessed robust sales, with a total of 93,224 tickets sold. The power-packed trailer, released on January 15, has contributed to the film's buzz, promising an adrenaline-packed experience.
About 'Fighter'
The film, featuring Hrithik Roshan as Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania and Deepika Padukone as Squadron Leader Minal Rathore, revolves around patriotism and action. Despite the potential setbacks in the Gulf release, the film's trailer and music have generated positive reviews, setting the stage for a grand celebration of the 75th Republic Day in India.