Unveiling the Ban on ‘Fighter’ : Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s Aerial Thriller Faces Setback in Gulf
Unveiling the Ban on ‘Fighter’ : Bollywood enthusiasts and fans eagerly awaiting Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s much-anticipated film, ‘Fighter,’ are now met with a disheartening setback. Recent reports reveal that the film has been banned in Gulf countries, with the exception of the UAE. The decision, shrouded in mystery, leaves audiences and industry insiders puzzled, as the exact reasons behind the ban have not been disclosed.
Background of ‘Fighter’
‘Fighter’ boasts a stellar cast, featuring Bollywood powerhouses Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, along with Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, and Akshay Oberoi. The film revolves around the theme of the Balakot airstrike conducted by the Indian Armed Forces. This aerial action thriller takes a deep dive into the events surrounding the airstrike, providing audiences with a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of real-life incidents.
Ban on ‘Fighter’ in Gulf Countries
The news of the ban has created ripples in the Bollywood community, with film business expert and producer Girish Johar confirming the official prohibition across Middle East regions. Surprisingly, the UAE stands as the sole exception where ‘Fighter’ will see a theatrical release. Despite this announcement, the veil of secrecy surrounding the ban adds to the intrigue, leaving fans curious about the undisclosed reasons prompting this decision.
ALSO READ : Dhamakedar Airborne Drama ‘Fighter’ : Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Aur Anil Kapoor Udaan Bhar Rahe Hain
Release Details and Censorship
The ban has left fans in Gulf countries disheartened, especially considering the anticipation that had been building around ‘Fighter.’ The film, however, is set to hit Indian theaters on January 25, providing a glimmer of hope for fans in the subcontinent. Notably, the UAE has granted the film a PG15 classification for its theatrical release, indicating a level of caution in ensuring the content is suitable for a wide audience.
Siddharth Anand’s Collaborations and Success
‘Fighter’ marks the third collaboration between director Siddharth Anand and the dynamic duo of Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. Their previous ventures, ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ (2008) and the 2023 blockbuster ‘Pathaan,’ have already established a successful track record. Additionally, Anand’s partnership with Hrithik Roshan began with ‘Bang Bang!’ in 2014, followed by the 2019 action extravaganza ‘War,’ which also featured Tiger Shroff.
The success of their collaborations is evident in the box office performances. ‘Bang Bang!’ had a budget of ₹160 crore and grossed ₹340 crore worldwide, setting the stage for their subsequent collaboration, ‘War,’ with a budget of ₹150 crore, which surpassed expectations by grossing an impressive ₹471 crore globally. This consistent success underscores the anticipation surrounding ‘Fighter’ despite the unexpected ban in certain regions.
Character Details and Plot Synopsis
In ‘Fighter,’ Hrithik Roshan takes on the role of Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania, affectionately known as Patty, while Deepika Padukone portrays Squadron Leader Minal Rathore, fondly referred to as Minni. Adding to the stellar cast, veteran actor Anil Kapoor steps into the shoes of Group Captain Rakesh Jai Singh, known as Rocky.
The film’s plot intricately weaves around the Balakot airstrike, a pivotal event in recent history. The Indian Armed Forces executed the airstrike in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming the lives of nearly 40 CRPF soldiers. ‘Fighter’ delves into the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces during this critical period, providing a cinematic experience that promises both action and emotion.
Director’s Perspective – Siddharth Anand’s Statement
Siddharth Anand, in a poignant statement, expressed that ‘Fighter’ holds a special place for him and his wife Mamta. The film marked the inception of their film company, MARFLIX, making it more than just a project. Anand shared his nervousness and anxiety as the new year begins, paralleling it with the release of ‘Pathaan.’ He hopes that audiences will shower the same love on ‘Fighter’ as they did on ‘Pathaan’ and invites them to witness the cinematic spectacle on January 25.
In a New Year’s message, Siddharth Anand further amplified the significance of ‘Fighter.’ Drawing parallels with ‘Pathaan,’ he urged the audience to extend their support and affection to this ambitious project. The director’s words resonate with a deep commitment to delivering a film that transcends the boundaries of a mere cinematic endeavor, making ‘Fighter’ a labor of love and dedication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the unexpected ban on ‘Fighter’ in Gulf countries, except the UAE, has added a layer of complexity to the film’s narrative. Despite the setback, the film’s rich ensemble cast, Siddharth Anand’s successful directorial history, and the intriguing theme promise a cinematic experience that transcends geographical boundaries. As fans eagerly await the film’s release in India and the UAE, the lack of disclosure regarding the ban’s reasons remains a lingering question.
This turn of events, while disappointing, highlights the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the challenges that filmmakers sometimes face. As we anticipate ‘Fighter’ hitting the silver screen in India and the UAE, it is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the cast and crew. Let’s stay tuned for updates on this gripping aerial thriller, hoping that it receives the love and support it truly deserves. Share your thoughts on the ban, your expectations from ‘Fighter,’ and join the conversation as we countdown to the film’s release on January 25.
