Saudi Arabia Bans Bollywood Blockbusters ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ and ‘Singham Again’ — Here’s Why
Two of Bollywood’s most anticipated releases, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again, have been banned from screening in Saudi Arabia due to non-compliance with the country’s strict censorship guidelines. While both films are receiving positive reviews and generating buzz at the box office worldwide, Saudi authorities have withheld approval, citing specific content that conflicts with local cultural and regulatory standards.
According to Mid-Day, the films, which both released on November 1, 2024, have encountered regional restrictions that prevent their screening in Saudi cinemas, though they remain available in other parts of the UAE. The decision underscores the unique cultural and regulatory considerations of Gulf nations regarding imported media.
The Ban on ‘Singham Again’: Religious Sensitivities and Depictions of Conflict
Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again, a much-awaited addition to his blockbuster cop universe, features a powerhouse ensemble, including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone. However, its release has been halted in Saudi Arabia due to perceived sensitivities around its portrayal of religious themes, especially those involving Hindu-Muslim dynamics. This includes allusions to the Ramayana, a revered Hindu epic, intertwined with modern-day themes of justice and righteousness, which Saudi authorities found contentious due to its portrayal of religious conflict.
In Singham Again, Arjun Kapoor assumes the role of the antagonist, inspired by the character Raavan, while Ajay Devgn’s character draws elements from both Lord Ram and Shivaji Maharaj, presenting a complex blend of heroism rooted in Hindu mythology. Kareena Kapoor Khan plays a modern-day Sita, while Tiger Shroff and Ranveer Singh represent characters inspired by Lakshman and Hanuman, respectively. Deepika Padukone and Akshay Kumar also appear in roles influenced by mythological figures. The inclusion of these characters and themes has been received warmly by Indian audiences, but Saudi Arabia’s censorship board saw the depictions as incompatible with their cultural sensitivities, prompting the ban.
‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’: Ban Over Objectionable Content
On the other hand, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, directed by Anees Bazmee and starring Kartik Aaryan, Madhuri Dixit, and Vidya Balan, faced a ban due to content deemed inappropriate by Saudi authorities. The film is part of a horror-comedy franchise that blends supernatural elements with comedic undertones. However, certain scenes and dialogues, reportedly containing references to homosexuality, were flagged by Saudi censors as violating strict regional restrictions around LGBTQ+ content.
In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Kartik Aaryan reprises his role as Rooh Baba, the eccentric ghostbuster, while Vidya Balan returns as the iconic Manjulika, and Madhuri Dixit joins the cast as a spectral presence. Triptii Dimri also steps into a role previously played by Kiara Advani, continuing the film’s tradition of humor mixed with paranormal scares. Although these elements are celebrated in other regions as part of the film’s quirky storytelling, Saudi Arabia’s conservative cultural regulations led to a ban on the film, as references to homosexuality remain a strictly prohibited subject in Gulf nations.
Cultural and Regulatory Context: Why Films Face Unique Challenges in the Gulf
While Bollywood films enjoy significant popularity across the Gulf, each release must comply with stringent local guidelines. For countries like Saudi Arabia, this includes prohibiting any content that could be seen as promoting or condoning themes incompatible with Islamic values, such as religious conflict, supernatural elements involving religious figures, or LGBTQ+ references. Films that touch on these themes are often subject to edits, and in cases where changes aren’t feasible or where themes are too intrinsic to the storyline, a ban may be enforced.
The decision to ban Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 highlights the balancing act between cultural expression and regional norms. Bollywood, with its diverse storytelling, sometimes delves into themes that push boundaries or reflect aspects of Indian culture that may not align with the standards upheld in more conservative societies. The Gulf region, while increasingly open to global media, still adheres to regulatory frameworks that prioritize cultural coherence and adherence to Islamic principles.
Reception Elsewhere in the UAE and Beyond
Interestingly, despite the Saudi Arabia ban, both films remain available for screening in other parts of the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, indicating some flexibility within the Gulf region. The UAE, although also conservative, often implements slightly more relaxed censorship standards than Saudi Arabia, allowing for selective edits instead of outright bans in certain cases.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again have been met with positive responses in India and other countries where the films were released. Singham Again draws from a successful cop-action franchise that previously included hits like Singham, Singham Returns, Simmba, and Sooryavanshi. Each of these installments has portrayed themes of justice, action, and heroism, making Singham Again a highly anticipated fifth entry in Rohit Shetty’s universe. For Indian audiences, the film’s mythological crossovers bring a fresh and engaging dimension, intertwining beloved epics with action-packed storytelling. Meanwhile, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 continues a beloved franchise with its blend of horror and comedy, using the popular characters of Rooh Baba and Manjulika to explore fresh paranormal adventures with a humorous twist.
Implications for Bollywood in Global Markets
The restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again highlight the ongoing challenges Bollywood faces as it expands its international footprint. As the demand for Bollywood films grows globally, the industry must often adapt to various cultural and regulatory expectations. The ban underscores the need for Bollywood filmmakers to carefully consider the portrayal of certain themes when targeting Middle Eastern markets, where conservative regulations are rigorously upheld.
While Indian cinema has seen a surge in international popularity, with increasing acceptance and admiration from global audiences, cultural barriers remain in certain regions. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has made recent strides in expanding its entertainment industry, including opening cinemas and hosting international events. However, it continues to enforce strict guidelines on imported media, especially content that may clash with traditional values.
Conclusion: Mixed Fortunes for Bollywood’s Biggest Releases
The bans on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again in Saudi Arabia serve as reminders of the complex landscape Bollywood navigates on the global stage. While these films enjoy success and admiration in various markets, cultural boundaries can sometimes lead to restrictions, especially in regions with conservative outlooks. Nonetheless, both films continue to make waves in other markets, with fans embracing the unique narratives that Bollywood brings.
For now, audiences in India and other regions can enjoy the latest adventures in Shetty’s cop universe and the spooky thrills of Bazmee’s horror-comedy franchise. The restrictions in Saudi Arabia are unlikely to dampen the broader success of these films, as Bollywood’s appeal continues to rise among diverse audiences.