Indian Films Banned Or Restricted In Middle East And Gulf Countries: Dhurandhar, Tiger 3, Fighter And More

Indian Films Banned in Gulf Countries: Indian films enjoy a large viewership base throughout the Middle East and Gulf region, although certain films face bans and restrictions because of political issues, religious matters and their depiction of particular communities. The 2025 spy film Dhurandhar received strong viewership through its streaming release after completing its theatrical distribution because of its plot and its successful performance at the
Indian box office.

However, despite being a popular film, it was banned in some Middle Eastern and Gulf countries for its political content. In recent years, many films such as Fighter, Tiger 3, and The Kashmir Files have also encountered similar problems. The banning of these films indicates that cultural and regional sentiments play a significant role in the censorship of films in Gulf countries.

List Of Middle Eastern And Gulf Countries

Due to stringent censorship rules and regional sensitivities, major nations such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon frequently ban or cut Indian films.

Middle Eastern Countries: Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, UAE, and Yemen.

Gulf Countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

List Of Indian Films Banned Or Restricted in the Gulf and Middle East Countries

1. Dhurandhar (2025)

Indian Films Banned in Gulf Countries (Image: IMDb)

Gulf countries issued a ban on Ranveer Singh's starrer film Dhurandhar because its plot contained politically sensitive elements and its story used strong nationalistic elements. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar limited their movie screenings because of their apprehensions about regional security issues.

2. Fighter (2024)

Starring Hrithik Roshan, Fighter was restricted in most of the Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, for its depiction of military conflict and geopolitics in the region, particularly references to their allies in the Middle East. However, it was released in the UAE.

3. Article 370 (2024)

This movie was banned in the Middle Eastern countries because of its political theme of Kashmir. Major Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. restricted the release of this movie.

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4. Tiger 3 (2023)

Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 received international recognition, yet faced restrictions in its showings throughout Oman, Kuwait and Qatar because of its content, which included scenes about geopolitical conflicts and intelligence operations. The film was shown in theatres of UAE.

5. The Diplomat (2023)

The Gulf countries imposed restrictions on this political thriller film, starring John Abraham, because it depicted international diplomatic relations, together with Middle Eastern political matters, which particularly affected Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

6. The Kashmir Files (2022)

Indian Films Banned in Gulf Countries (Image: IMDb)

Due to its controversial and "one-sided" portrayal of the Kashmiri pandit assassination conflict, authorities feared could disrupt religious harmony. The Kashmir Files was outlawed in Singapore and in the majority of Gulf nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait.

7. Bell Bottom (2021)

Bell Bottom's plot about hijacking and international politics led to partial bans and restrictions across the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar, saying the film shows things that are factually incorrect. Akshay Kumar was the main lead in this film.

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8. Padmaavat (2018)

Indian Films Banned in Gulf Countries (Image: IMDb)

Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor starrer film Padmavat faced bans and restrictions due to the controversial depiction of a muslim ruler and religious feelings. The movie was mainly prohibited in Malaysia and some of the Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.

9. Oh My God (2012)

Due to religious sensitivity rules, this satirical film about religion was prohibited in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

10. The Dirty Picture (2011)

Due to bold content and adult themes, Vidya Balan's film, based on South actress Silk Smitha's life, was banned or heavily censored in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.