Two of Bollywood’s most anticipated films, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again, have been banned in Saudi Arabia due to strict censorship guidelines. Despite high expectations for their box-office performances, these films will not be making their way to Saudi cinemas, marking a significant setback for both releases in the Middle Eastern market. Here’s what led to this decision and why these films have stirred controversy in the region.
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Saudi Arabia Bans Bollywood Blockbusters ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ and ‘Singham Again’: Here’s Why
What Led to the Ban?
According to Mid-Day, the Saudi Arabian censorship board took issue with specific elements in both films, which they believe do not align with the country’s cultural and censorship standards.
- Singham Again: Directed by Rohit Shetty, this action-packed installment in his popular Cop Universe faced scrutiny for its portrayal of “religious conflict.” This storyline was flagged by Saudi censors as potentially sensitive, leading to the film’s exclusion from theaters.
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3: The third movie in the fan-favorite horror-comedy franchise, starring Kartik Aaryan, encountered objections over “homosexual references.” Although a relatively small part of the plot, these references were enough for the board to halt the film’s distribution in the region.
Bollywood Blockbusters with Star Power
Both films boast impressive casts and follow-ups to hugely successful franchises, making their absence in the Saudi market all the more notable.
- Singham Again features an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, and Arjun Kapoor. This film is the fifth installment in Shetty’s Cop Universe and a direct sequel to Singham Returns (2014), which has already established a loyal fan base. The movie’s high-octane action and signature Rohit Shetty style were expected to make it a significant draw.
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, directed by Anees Bazmee, is the latest addition to the beloved Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. Known for blending supernatural themes with humor, this film follows the legacy of its predecessors with a fresh take on horror-comedy. Kartik Aaryan’s role as the quirky protagonist, reprising his performance after the blockbuster Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, was a major selling point.
Impact on Bollywood’s Middle Eastern Market
Saudi Arabia has become an important market for Bollywood, as audiences in the region have shown increasing interest in Indian cinema. Major Bollywood films have typically been well-received in Saudi Arabia, which recently opened its doors to cinemas as part of Vision 2030, an initiative aimed at diversifying its economy and culture. The decision to ban Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 signals the continuing challenges Bollywood faces in navigating regional sensitivities while expanding its global reach.
Looking Ahead: Will Bollywood Adapt?
This ban sheds light on Bollywood’s growing responsibility to consider international censorship and cultural norms as it gains global recognition. Filmmakers may need to adopt more adaptable narratives or versions for different countries to meet regional standards while maintaining creative integrity.
For now, the ban of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again in Saudi Arabia highlights Bollywood’s complexities as it tries to balance storytelling freedom with international regulations, especially in regions with specific cultural guidelines.
