Article 370 Banned Across Gulf Countries: New Setback for Hindi Film Industry
The ban on Article 370 in Gulf countries has taken many by surprise, as it delves into universal human experiences amidst a complex socio-political backdrop.
The political thriller “Article 370,” starring actor Yami Gautam, has faced a ban in Gulf countries. Despite its success at the domestic and overseas box office, receiving acclaim from both audiences and critics, the ban in the Gulf serves as another setback for the Hindi film industry. It denies audiences in the region the chance to enjoy an acclaimed Indian cinematic creation, adding to the challenges faced by the industry.
The film predominantly delves into universal human experiences set against a multifaceted socio-political backdrop. It intricately weaves themes of identity, adversity, and perseverance throughout its storyline, offering insights into the aspirations and struggles of individuals amid tumultuous circumstances. In doing so, it encourages empathy and facilitates meaningful conversations.
The ban in Gulf countries has caught many by surprise, especially given the region’s flourishing tourism sector and the ongoing filming of Indian movies there. The stark contrast between Bollywood’s significant influence on the Gulf’s entertainment landscape and the absence of access to Indian films in its cinemas is striking. Despite the strong following of Indian cinema in the region, the absence of films like Article 370 underscores a troubling pattern of censorship and restricted cultural interaction, according to a statement.
In light of the ongoing challenges of censorship and accessibility faced by the global film industry, it is imperative to emphasize the importance of fostering dialogue and collaboration. This approach is essential for cultivating a more inclusive and dynamic cinematic environment.
In the movie, Yami portrays the character of Zooni Haksar, an intelligence officer, within the backdrop of the valley. The storyline revolves around the revocation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.
On August 5, 2019, the Central government annulled Article 370, which granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, dividing it into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
During a recent address to a gathering in Jammu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned a film centered around Article 370, stating, “I understand that a movie focusing on Article 370 is scheduled for release this week… This development is commendable as it will assist individuals in obtaining accurate information.”
In response to PM Modi’s address, Yami expressed on Instagram, “It’s truly humbling to witness PM @narendramodi Ji acknowledge #Article370Movie. Our team and I sincerely aspire to surpass your expectations in presenting this remarkable narrative on screen!”
Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, the movie features Priyamani, Arun Govil, and Kiran Karmarkar in prominent roles.
Previously, the release of the aerial action thriller “Fighter,” starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, was rejected in all Gulf countries except the UAE.