In a surprising turn of events, the highly acclaimed action political thriller “Article 370”, a sleeper hit on home turf finds itself banned in Gulf countries.This development marks the second film this year to face such censorship in the region. While ‘Article 370’ has been riding high on success at the domestic and overseas box office, garnering praise from both audiences and critics alike, the ban in the Gulf is another dampener on the Hindi film industry, as it deprives audiences in the region of the opportunity to experience an Indian cinematic offering, which has been widely lauded.
With a 2 day collection of 15.20 crore, ‘Article 370’ has already outperformed several recent releases. The film is also performing exceedingly well in overseas centres like Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA and Canada, indicating a strong interest in the film
Seemingly the film, in no way advocates propaganda or divisive agendas, and primarily explores universal human experiences within the framework of a complex socio-political landscape. Themes of identity, struggle, and resilience resonate deeply throughout the narrative as it delves into the aspirations and challenges faced by individuals amidst turbulent times, fostering understanding and dialogue in the process.
The ban in Gulf countries comes as a surprise, particularly considering the region’s thriving tourism industry and the continued presence of Indian movies being filmed there. The disparity between Bollywood’s contribution to the Gulf’s entertainment industry and the lack of access to Indian films in its theatres is glaring. While Indian cinema enjoys a dedicated fan base in the region, the absence of films like ‘Article 370’ emphasizes a concerning trend of censorship and limited cultural exchange. As audiences worldwide clamour for diverse and thought-provoking cinema, it’s disheartening to see barriers impeding the free flow of artistic expression.
As the global film industry continues to grapple with issues of censorship and accessibility, prioritizing dialogue and collaboration in order to foster a more inclusive and vibrant cinematic landscape seems to be the need of the hour.
The high-octane action political drama, headlined by Yami Gautam and directed by National Award-winner Aditya Suhas Jambhale is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar, and Lokesh Dhar. ‘Article 370’ was released in cinemas worldwide on 23rd February 2024.
