IMPPA appeals to PM Narendra Modi to lift ban on Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ in the Middle east after the film has crossed Rs 1200 crore worldwide |

Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ continues its dream run at the global box office, with its staggering worldwide earnings underlining its mass appeal. However, despite its success across territories, one key market has remained completely out of reach for the film, the Middle East. The film has reportedly been banned in several countries in the region, leading the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) to formally step in and seek government intervention.Despite the fact that the film hasn’t released in the Middle East, the Aditya Dhar directorial has still managed to reach Rs 1200 crore worldwide. The Middle East represents a significant and lucrative market that remains untapped due to the ban. Which is why, now IMPPA (Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and raise the issue diplomatically, contending that the decision infringes upon “freedom of expression.” The subject of the association’s letter read, “Appeal to intervene in the matter of banning of the film ‘Dhurandhar’ by the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries.”In the letter, IMPPA stated, “Respected Sir, We earnestly appeal to your kind self to intervene regarding the unilateral and uncalled-for ban imposed on the film ‘Dhurandhar’ by the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Our member producer has made this film and has released the same after getting certification by the Central Board of Film Certification, and the ban imposed by the above countries is a suppression of the freedom of expression of our member, as the film has emerged as one of the biggest hits in Indian cinema.”Emphasising India’s longstanding ties with the region, the association further wrote, “We as representatives of the largest and oldest Producers’ Association, IMPPA, request you earnestly with folded hands to kindly intervene, as the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are India-friendly countries, and we conduct regular business with them across multiple sectors.”Concluding the appeal, IMPPA expressed hope that “freedom of expression” would be upheld and that the ban would be “evoked at the earliest.”Meanwhile, at the domestic box office, the film has already crossed Rs 790 crore.