In a surprising twist, the much-anticipated Bollywood film ‘Fighter,’ starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, won’t be hitting screens in the UAE. Officials confirmed that authorities in Dubai have suspended the movie’s release, leaving fans puzzled.
Unexpected Suspension Causes Confusion
Originally set to release on January 27, ‘Fighter’ left residents scratching their heads over the weekend as showtimes and ticket bookings mysteriously disappeared. Customer care from VOX and Reel Cinemas confirmed the film’s suspension, citing a red flag from Dubai authorities, leading to a halt in screenings across all UAE cinemas.
The film’s UAE distributor, Home Screen Entertainment, acknowledged the situation, stating, “The release of Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone starrer, Fighter is currently suspended in UAE. We will share more updates once available.“
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‘Fighter’: Controversial Theme Sparks Mixed Reactions
‘Fighter’ revolves around the Indian Air Force, featuring the lives of Shamsher Pathania (Hrithik Roshan) and Minal Rathor (Deepika Padukone) in the context of India’s national security situations. This war-based theme has stirred varied reactions among UAE residents.
Warda Sherwani, a 19-year-old Pakistani expat, expressed concern, saying, “There is so much war going on right now, and I don’t see why we should promote more war.” In contrast, Ehaab Qadeer, an Indian videographer in Dubai, emphasized the role of art in uniting people, stating, “Freedom of expression and art should be used to unite people.”
Banned Across the Gulf, Amidst Ongoing Trends
‘Fighter’ faces bans not only in the UAE but also in other Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. This incident echoes past cases of film delays and suspensions in the UAE, such as ‘Barbie’ in 2023 and Disney-Pixar’s ‘Lightyear’ in 2022. The Malayalam film ‘Sita Ramam’ also experienced a delayed release in the same year.
A Chapter in the Film Regulation Discourse
The ban on ‘Fighter’ in the UAE adds a new layer to discussions about how war is portrayed in cinema and the regulatory standards governing film releases in the region.
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