New Delhi. The controversy surrounding the ban on the film ‘Dhurandhar’ continues to deepen. The issue has now reached Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly. A formal letter has been sent to the Prime Minister protesting the film’s ban, demanding a review of the decision. The letter states that banning a film before or after its release is against democratic values and freedom of expression.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) has appealed to PM Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter of the ban on the film ‘Dhurandhar’. The association has stated that the ban imposed on this film by some Middle Eastern countries is not justified.

In its letter, IMPPA stated that the film has been banned in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The association says this decision is one-sided and should be revoked immediately. It has requested the government to engage in diplomatic talks for this purpose.

The association also clarified that ‘Dhurandhar’ had received certification from India’s Central Board of Film Certification. The film was quite successful at the box office after its release. IMPPA says that bans abroad impact freedom of expression. Furthermore, it causes losses for Indian filmmakers working in foreign markets.

The letter’s authors state that if any group or institution objects to a film, there are legal and constitutional avenues available. An outright ban eliminates the possibility of dialogue. They also said that banning a film after certification by the censor board raises questions about the system’s credibility.

Without limiting this entire issue to just one film, the letter connects it to creative freedom. Writers and artists believe that if such bans continue, it will become nearly impossible to make films on sensitive but important issues in the future.

An appeal has been made to the Prime Minister to intervene in this matter and ensure that the freedom of art, cinema, and expression is not crushed under political or ideological pressure. Additionally, the ban on the film ‘Dhurandhar’ should be lifted, allowing audiences the right to decide for themselves.

It remains to be seen what stance the central government and related institutions will take on this letter. However, it is certain that the ‘Dhurandhar’ issue is no longer just about one film but has taken the shape of a larger debate in the country on creative freedom versus censorship.

New Delhi

New Delhi is the capital of India, officially inaugurated in 1931 as the new seat of the British Raj government, replacing Calcutta. It was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, featuring wide boulevards and grand colonial-era buildings like the Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. Today, it serves as the political and administrative heart of the country, adjacent to the historic city of Old Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi” is not a place or cultural site, but a person—the current and 14th Prime Minister of India, serving since 2014. His political career includes a long tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and his leadership is associated with significant economic and infrastructural initiatives, as well as cultural and nationalist policies in India.

Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA)

The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) is a key trade association and film chamber in India, established in 1936. It was founded to protect the interests of film producers and has played a historic role in industry advocacy, censorship negotiations, and labor disputes. Today, it remains an important body for film certification, dispute resolution, and upholding industry standards within the Indian cinema landscape.

UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a modern federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula, established in 1971 following the end of British protection. Historically a region of Bedouin tribes and pearl diving, its history was transformed by the discovery of oil in the mid-20th century, leading to rapid development into a global hub of commerce, tourism, and architecture. Today, it is renowned for blending deep Islamic heritage with futuristic cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a modern nation founded in 1932, but its history is deeply rooted as the birthplace of Islam, home to the religion’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. The country’s development has been profoundly shaped by the discovery of vast oil reserves in the 1930s, transforming it into a leading global economic power. Today, it is undergoing rapid social and economic reforms under its Vision 2030 initiative, while preserving its central role in the Islamic world.

Qatar

Qatar is a sovereign nation on the Arabian Peninsula, historically shaped by its Bedouin heritage and maritime pearl-diving economy. Its modern history is defined by the discovery of vast oil and natural gas reserves in the mid-20th century, which rapidly transformed it into a global economic hub. Today, the country is known for its futuristic capital, Doha, and significant cultural sites like the Museum of Islamic Art and the preserved heritage village of Katara.

Oman

Oman is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula with a rich history as a major maritime trading power, dating back to ancient times when it controlled routes across the Indian Ocean. Its cultural identity is deeply tied to Ibadism, a distinct form of Islam, and is reflected in well-preserved landmarks like the numerous forts, the Bahla Fort (a UNESCO site), and the capital Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. From a powerful empire influencing trade from East Africa to India, Oman evolved into a modern, peaceful nation known for its traditional architecture and desert landscapes.

Kuwait

Kuwait is a modern Arab state on the Persian Gulf, historically a strategic trading port and pearl-diving center. Its contemporary history is defined by the establishment of the Sheikhdom in the 18th century by the Al Sabah family, who still rule today, and its transformation into a wealthy nation following the discovery of oil in the 1930s. The country is also known for its rapid post-oil urbanization and its cultural landmarks like the Kuwait Towers, as well as its resilience following the Iraqi invasion and occupation in 1990-1991.