title:Border 2 Banned in Gulf Countries for Anti-Pakistan Theme
ISLAMABAD: Sunny Deol’s highly anticipated war film Border 2 has beenbarred from theatrical release in six Gulf countries including Bahrain,Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates due tocontent perceived as anti-Pakistan. The decision comes just days before itsscheduled premiere, marking the second major Bollywood production of theyear to face such restrictions in the region following the earlier ban onDhurandhar. Industry sources indicate that despite efforts by thefilmmakers to secure clearance, authorities in these nations rejectedcertification owing to sensitive portrayals linked to India-Pakistanconflicts.
The ban highlights a recurring pattern in Gulf censorship practices wherefilms depicting Pakistan in a negative light or glorifying Indian militaryactions against perceived threats often encounter barriers. Border 2, asequel to the 1997 patriotic blockbuster Border directed by J P Dutta,features themes rooted in historical Indo-Pak wars and national heroism.Reports suggest the narrative elements echoing real geopolitical tensionsprompted the outright denial of screening permissions across the GulfCooperation Council states.
This development follows closely on the heels of similar action againstDhurandhar, a Ranveer Singh starrer released late last year, which was alsoblocked in the same six countries for alleged anti-Pakistan messaging. Thatfilm, despite achieving substantial box office success domestically, sawits Middle Eastern prospects curtailed due to objections over its spythriller elements involving cross-border operations. The parallel casesunderscore how political sensitivities continue to influence entertainmentdistribution in the oil-rich region.
Gulf nations maintain strict content regulations through centralizedcensorship boards that scrutinise films for religious, political andcultural appropriateness. Content deemed offensive to friendly countries orpromoting discord is frequently prohibited. In recent years, several Indianproductions including Gadar 2 in 2023 and Fighter in 2024 have facedpartial or full bans in parts of the GCC for comparable reasons, thoughsome received limited approvals after edits.
Border 2’s overseas prospects are further complicated by the Gulf’ssignificant contribution to Bollywood’s international revenue. The regionhosts large South Asian expatriate communities, particularly from India,whose ticket sales often bolster box office figures for big-budgetreleases. Advance bookings for the film in India have shown promisingtrends, surpassing those of Dhurandhar in some metrics, yet the absencefrom Gulf screens could impact overall earnings projections.
Analysts note that such bans reflect broader diplomatic considerations inthe Gulf, where relations with both India and Pakistan are carefullybalanced. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have deepened economicties with India while maintaining neutral or positive engagements withPakistan. Films portraying adversarial narratives risk upsetting thesedelicate equilibria, leading to preemptive censorship to avoid potentialbacklash.
Previous instances demonstrate the consistency of this approach. Forexample, Gadar 2’s strong anti-Pakistan tone, which resonated strongly inIndia, directly led to its exclusion from Gulf markets. Similarly, Fighterencountered initial prohibitions linked to its depiction of securityoperations, though the UAE eventually allowed it with restrictions. Theseprecedents suggest that Border 2’s fate aligns with established regulatorypatterns rather than isolated decisions.
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The film’s makers have not issued an official statement on the ban, butindustry insiders indicate that attempts were made to negotiate clearanceswithout success. With the release imminent in India and other territories,the focus now shifts to domestic performance, where patriotic themes havehistorically driven strong audience turnout. Sunny Deol’s return to thefranchise after nearly three decades adds to the anticipation among fans.
Broader implications for the Indian film industry include potential revenueshortfalls in a lucrative overseas market. The Gulf has emerged as a keycontributor to global box office collections for Hindi cinema, withmultiplex chains and large diaspora audiences driving substantial income.Repeated bans on high-profile releases may prompt filmmakers to considertoning down politically charged content or seeking alternative distributionstrategies.
Despite the setback, Border 2 is positioned for a robust domestic opening,buoyed by strong pre-release buzz and the legacy of its predecessor. Theoriginal Border remains a cultural touchstone in India for its portrayal ofvalour during the 1971 war. Expectations are high for the sequel toreplicate or exceed that impact, even as international markets presentchallenges.
This episode also raises questions about the intersection of cinema,nationalism and global diplomacy. As Bollywood increasingly producescontent with patriotic undertones, navigating diverse internationalregulations becomes more complex. The bans serve as a reminder of howdomestic narratives can encounter friction abroad when touching onsensitive bilateral issues.
Source:https://www.livemint.com/entertainment/sunny-deols-border-2-banned-in-gulf-countries-for-anti-pakistan-content-after-dhurandhar-heres-what-we-know-11769063040590.html
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