Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE Ban ‘Border 2’ for Controversial Content
Sunny Deol’s Republic Day war drama hits Indian cinemas but banned in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.
Mumbai, Jan 23: Sunny Deol’s much anticipated war film ‘Border 2’ premiered across India today, drawing packed theatres and patriotic excitement ahead of Republic Day. The sequel, a follow up to JP Dutta’s 1997 classic ‘Border’, explores the 1971 India-Pakistan war with combined operations of the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, and runs for over three hours.
While audiences in India celebrate the release on more than 4,000 screens nationwide, the film’s reception in the Gulf has been starkly different. ‘Border 2’ has been banned in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE due to its perceived “anti-Pakistan” content. The makers had submitted the film for clearance in these countries, but the request was denied, reflecting the region’s strict regulations on politically sensitive material.
Industry analysts noted that the Republic Day weekend release and war-drama theme are a strategic box office move, with high expectations for audience turnout. However, overseas restrictions mirror challenges faced by previous Indian films like Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’, which faced similar Gulf bans.
In India, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has approved ‘Border 2’ with a U/A certificate, allowing viewers aged 13 and above to watch the film. Despite the overseas bans, the film is generating considerable buzz domestically, with patriotic fervour and Sunny Deol’s trademark energy leading the charge.
