The much-anticipated Bollywood movie “Fighter,” featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, has encountered a major setback with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) banning its theatrical display just days before its scheduled release.
Directed by Siddharth Anand, “Fighter” follows the story of an Indian Air Force unit stationed in Indian Occupied Kashmir, where a group of impassioned young men and women undergo specialized training for a crucial mission. The film appears to draw inspiration from real events, particularly the India-Pakistan tensions following the Pulwama attack, which culminated in cross-border airstrikes and the capture and subsequent release of Indian pilot Abhinandan by Pakistan.
Despite the film’s intent to portray a compelling narrative, “Fighter” has been labeled as ‘Anti-Pakistan’ and ‘Jingoistic,’ leading to its prohibition from premieres in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries. The news of the ban was shared by the film’s producer through social media.
In response to the criticism, director Siddharth Anand defended the movie, stating, “I think I would call it more nationalistic than jingoistic. Some things are just being taken out of context.”
While the reasons behind the ban remain undisclosed, an Indian publication, Pink Villa, reported that the censor boards in Middle Eastern countries collectively rejected the film’s release. This unexpected move has sparked discussions about the fine line between nationalism and jingoism in cinematic portrayals of sensitive geopolitical events.
As fans eagerly anticipated the action-packed collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, the ban has left many disappointed, raising questions about the future international release of “Fighter” and its reception in other global markets.
