Two highly anticipated Bollywood films, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again, are set to clash at the Indian box office tomorrow. While audiences are eager to see these films, they have been banned in Saudi Arabia due to sensitive themes conflicting with local laws and cultural norms. Here’s why these films faced the ban in Saudi Arabia.
Religious Conflict in ‘Singham Again’
Directed by Rohit Shetty, Singham Again features Ajay Devgn reprising his role as the fearless cop. According to reports, Saudi Arabia banned this film due to its portrayal of Hindu-Muslim conflicts, a theme sensitive in many regions. The authorities have flagged the film’s portrayal of religious tensions as potentially inflammatory, leading to its restriction to prevent potential misunderstandings or unrest.
Homosexuality References in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, directed by Anees Bazmee, stars Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan. Reports suggest that the movie contains scenes or references to homosexuality, which remains a susceptible topic under Saudi law. The country strictly prohibits media containing LGBTQ+ themes, and thus, even subtle references have led to a complete ban on the movie’s release there.
The Impact of These Bans
While both films are highly anticipated in India, these bans highlight how cultural and legal differences influence film distribution globally. For the filmmakers, this is a reminder to navigate sensitive topics carefully when planning international releases.
