In a noteworthy turn of events, the blockbuster-to-be “Fighter,” which unites Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone for the first time in cinematic history, faces a ban across the Gulf region with the sole exception being the United Arab Emirates.
Anticipations for the high-octane film’s success were initially strong, with the Republic Day release expected to significantly heighten the film’s draw at box offices. This anticipation was reflected as the film’s advance booking tallied an impressive 3 crore INR from day one, with sales of 36,454 tickets for the 2D screenings and a higher demand for the 3D version, boasting 50,770 tickets sold. The more immersive experiences such as IMAX 3D and 4DX 3D screenings amassed 6,000 in ticket sales, illustrating a robust demand for the film’s cutting-edge visual effects and sound quality.
Unfortunately, the excitement surrounding this cinematic spectacle has been marred by an unexpected obstacle: the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Censors’ decision to block the release of “Fighter” in their member states, barring the UAE. This decision was formally communicated on January 23, following a censor screening that took place on January 10. While no specific explanation has been given, it’s speculated that the content may have been found objectionable or overly disturbing by the regulatory bodies, thus limiting the film’s release.
The ban of “Fighter” across these territories is not the first of its kind; it echoes the recent proscription of “Tiger 3” in Kuwait and Qatar, suggesting a trend of increasing scrutiny from regional censors. The financial repercussion for the film’s stakeholders is non-negligible, with a potential loss in revenue ranging between 500,000 to 1 million dollars.
Despite this setback, the pre-release fanfare for Fighter has been palpable since the January 15 debut of its trailer. The preview presents Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania aka Patty (played by Roshan) and Squadron Leader Minal Rathore aka Minni (portrayed by Padukone), alongside Group Captain Rakesh Jai Singh aka Rocky (played by Anil Kapoor), in an all-out quest bristling with patriotic fervor. Supporting roles by Akshay Oberoi and Karan Singh Grover add to the film’s star-studded lineup.
Their on-screen chemistry, amplified by fast-paced action sequences and a dynamic score, has set the stage for what was expected to be a box office triumph. Additionally, the film’s soundtrack contributed to the hype, with numbers like ‘Sher Khul Gaye’ and ‘Ishq Jaisa Kuch’ becoming crowd favorites, while melodies like ‘Heer Aasmani’ nudged audiences towards theatres with their rhythmic allure.
Addressing the film’s suitability for all audiences, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly necessitated four cuts before granting a U/A certificate, indicating that some content adjustments were required to make “Fighter” accessible to a broad demographic.
This episode highlights the intricate dance between artistry and the regulatory environment in which cinematic works are released. It raises pivotal questions regarding the extent and nature of censorship, and the potential impact these decisions have on cultural exchange and business within the film industry. While “Fighter” may enjoy a smooth take-off in certain locales, its journey is undeniably facing turbulence as it navigates the diverse and complex cinematic airspace of global markets.
