This Diwali, while audiences worldwide gear up for the much-anticipated clash at the box office between Bollywood giants “Singham Again” and “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” fans in Saudi Arabia will be missing out. These films, expected to be among the top draws of the year, have been banned from release in the Middle-Eastern kingdom due to the country’s stringent control over movie content.
Directed by the renowned Rohit Shetty, “Singham Again” brings back the charismatic Ajay Devgn as part of the established and highly appreciated cop universe. The franchise has enjoyed a successful run, promising high-octane action and a gripping storyline. Complementing the action-packed offering is “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” a horror-comedy directed by Anees Bazmee, starring the popular Kartik Aaryan. This series, known for its unique blend of humor and suspense, has maintained its popularity since the original film.
Despite the global anticipation, both films face a formidable obstacle as the strict Saudi Arabian film censorship board has denied their release. This decision comes as part of the kingdom’s broader censorship policies that enforce conformity to its cultural and religious norms. Films that include religiously contentious material, explicit sexual content, or messages deemed contrary to social customs are often banned or heavily edited.
In the case of “Singham Again,” the portrayal of religious conflicts reportedly led to its ban. On the other hand, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” encountered pushback due to references to homosexuality, which remains a sensitive subject within the country’s cultural context. Despite this setback, both films are slated to be shown in other parts of the UAE, providing some solace to fans in the region.
Apart from Saudi Arabia, “Singham Again” is slated to make a grand entry into cinemas globally.
. The film’s overseas release is set to be one of the most expansive for a Bollywood movie, with 1900 screens across various countries. In Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, it will premiere on a record-breaking 197 screens. North American audiences can look forward to over 760 screens, while in Canada, a major exhibition will unfold in Cineplex theaters, which dominate the nation’s box office. The UK and Ireland will see “Singham Again” grace 224 cinemas.
Meanwhile, fans in Singapore will experience a slight delay, as “Singham Again” is scheduled for release a week later than its global debut, pushed to November 7 due to pending clearance of the censor certificate. The star-studded lineup, featuring not only Ajay Devgn but also Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff, promises an exceptional cinematic experience.
Similarly, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” boasts a compelling cast, with Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, and Triptii Dimri joining Kartik Aaryan. Despite the setbacks in specific regions, the film is gearing up to showcase its unique charm globally, captivating audiences with its mix of humor and horror.
The anticipation around these two films highlights the vibrancy and global appeal of Bollywood cinema. As the festival of lights approaches, cinema-goers worldwide are set for an exciting and entertaining Diwali season, albeit with a significant void in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s ban underscores the ongoing tension between global cinematic expressions and local cultural norms. However, the international rollout of both films across continents ensures that their fanbase, widely spread across the globe, will not be deprived of the much-anticipated entertainment. This clash of cinematic titans promises not only to be a Diwali highlight but also a benchmark for Bollywood’s international outreach and influence in the broader world of cinema.
