Yami Gautam’s action political thriller film, “Article 370,” has faced a ban in Gulf countries, sparking surprise among the film’s makers. The movie, exploring universal human experiences within a complex socio-political landscape, delves into themes of identity, struggle, and resilience against the backdrop of turbulent times. The ban in Gulf countries contrasts with the region’s thriving tourism industry and the presence of Indian movies being filmed there.
The makers, in a statement, expressed concern about the disparity between Bollywood’s significant contribution to the Gulf’s entertainment industry and the limited access to Indian films in its theaters. They highlighted the dedicated fan base for Indian cinema in the region and underscored the absence of films like “Article 370” as indicative of a worrisome trend of censorship and restricted cultural exchange.
This comes on the heels of the denial of release for Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s aerial action thriller “Fighter” in all Gulf countries except the UAE.
In “Article 370,” Yami Gautam portrays Zooni Haksar, an intelligence officer, in a narrative set in the valley, revolving around the removal of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. The film reflects on the historical events of August 5, 2019, when the Central government revoked Article 370, altering the status of Jammu and Kashmir and creating the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
