Dhurandhar Joins the List: 6 Indian Films Banned in Gulf Countries
Nidhi | Dec 12, 2025, 13:18 IST
'Dhurandhar': Ranveer Singh's character poster drops ahead of trailer
Image credit : ANI
Dhurandhar being blocked across six Gulf nations has revived attention on a very small group of Indian films that were denied release in the Middle East. While Bollywood movies usually pass with cuts, a complete ban is rare, making each case significant. This article highlights the films that Gulf countries have actually stopped — from Dhurandhar to earlier titles halted in Kuwait, UAE, and Saudi Arabia — and explains the circumstances that placed them on the banned list. A factual, updated look at how cinema and regional sensitivities collide.
Dhurandhar being pulled from six Gulf countries made headlines immediately, not just for the scale of the restriction but for the pattern it echoes. Over the years, only a handful of Indian films have been halted in the Middle East, a region that usually allows Bollywood releases after edits. Full bans are rare, which is why Dhurandhar’s name entering the list becomes significant.
Below are the Indian films that were actually stopped from releasing in parts of the Gulf, based on confirmed public records and distributor statements.
![Dhurandhar box office DAY 1: Ranveer Singh's spy-thriller opens strong across India, mints Rs 28.60 cr]()
Banned in: Six Gulf nations
Concerns were raised over the film’s perceived anti-Pakistan messaging, a subject that carries diplomatic weight in the region. Certification was withheld across multiple countries, and distributors confirmed the film could not be released.
This aligns with earlier instances where films touching India-Pakistan conflict or militant operations received immediate scrutiny from Gulf boards.
![Padmaavat (2018),Image credit: Times of India]()
Banned in: Kuwait
Kuwait declined to certify the film after discussions around historical interpretation and religious portrayal. While the rest of the Gulf screened Padmaavat after review, Kuwait stood firm on its decision.
Coverage in Gulf News, Khaleej Times and updates from the film’s distribution team all recorded Kuwait’s independent block on the release.
![Vishwaroopam (2013), Image credit: Times of India]()
Banned in: Initially UAE
Kamal Haasan’s espionage drama was stopped in the UAE at the start of its release over concerns linked to its depiction of jihadist groups. The film returned later in edited form after further review.
Reports from The National (UAE), Times of India and NDTV documented the temporary block and subsequent clearance.
![Neerja (2016), Image credit: Indiatimes]()
Banned in: Pakistan (not the Gulf)
This title is often mistakenly added to Gulf ban lists, but all Gulf markets allowed its release. The only country that blocked it was Pakistan due to its portrayal of a Pakistani hijacker.
Since Gulf screenings remained unaffected, Neerja is not included in the regional ban category.
Banned in: Saudi Arabia and UAE (briefly)
After the viral “wink scene” drew sudden attention, authorities paused screenings while assessing its suitability for younger audiences, particularly since the narrative centers on school romance. Shows resumed after review.
Arab News and cinema operators in the Gulf publicly confirmed the temporary withdrawal.
Banned in: Not banned in Gulf countries
Although frequently claimed online as a Gulf-banned film, the title only underwent heavy edits. Distributors clarified that it was not stopped from release, only modified according to regional guidelines.
For this reason, it does not appear in the Gulf ban list despite extensive censorship.
Below are the Indian films that were actually stopped from releasing in parts of the Gulf, based on confirmed public records and distributor statements.
Indian Films Gulf Countries Didn’t Want You to Watch
1. Dhurandhar (2025)
Dhurandhar box office DAY 1: Ranveer Singh's spy-thriller opens strong across India, mints Rs 28.60 cr
Image credit : ANI
Banned in: Six Gulf nations
Concerns were raised over the film’s perceived anti-Pakistan messaging, a subject that carries diplomatic weight in the region. Certification was withheld across multiple countries, and distributors confirmed the film could not be released.
This aligns with earlier instances where films touching India-Pakistan conflict or militant operations received immediate scrutiny from Gulf boards.
2. Padmaavat (2018)
Padmaavat (2018),Image credit: Times of India
Banned in: Kuwait
Kuwait declined to certify the film after discussions around historical interpretation and religious portrayal. While the rest of the Gulf screened Padmaavat after review, Kuwait stood firm on its decision.
Coverage in Gulf News, Khaleej Times and updates from the film’s distribution team all recorded Kuwait’s independent block on the release.
3. Vishwaroopam (2013)
Vishwaroopam (2013), Image credit: Times of India
Banned in: Initially UAE
Kamal Haasan’s espionage drama was stopped in the UAE at the start of its release over concerns linked to its depiction of jihadist groups. The film returned later in edited form after further review.
Reports from The National (UAE), Times of India and NDTV documented the temporary block and subsequent clearance.
4. Neerja (2016)
Neerja (2016), Image credit: Indiatimes
This title is often mistakenly added to Gulf ban lists, but all Gulf markets allowed its release. The only country that blocked it was Pakistan due to its portrayal of a Pakistani hijacker.
Since Gulf screenings remained unaffected, Neerja is not included in the regional ban category.
5. Oru Adaar Love (2019)
After the viral “wink scene” drew sudden attention, authorities paused screenings while assessing its suitability for younger audiences, particularly since the narrative centers on school romance. Shows resumed after review.
Arab News and cinema operators in the Gulf publicly confirmed the temporary withdrawal.
6. Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016)
Although frequently claimed online as a Gulf-banned film, the title only underwent heavy edits. Distributors clarified that it was not stopped from release, only modified according to regional guidelines.
For this reason, it does not appear in the Gulf ban list despite extensive censorship.