Salman Khan's 'Tiger 3' faces ban in Qatar, Oman: reports
In a surprising turn of events, the recently released Hindi-language action film Tiger 3 has found itself embroiled in controversy as it reportedly faces a ban in several Gulf countries, including Qatar and Oman. Mashable Middle East quoted the Middle East Monitor, suggesting that the ban is purportedly linked to concerns over the negative portrayal of Muslims in the film.
Other sources, such as Koimoi, suggest that the controversy may be tied to a particular scene featuring the film's leading lady, Katrina Kaif, engaging in a towel fight, as teased in the trailer. As a result, the ban has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions on social media platforms, with speculation surrounding the reasons behind this decision.
While initial reports hinted at the ban also extending to Kuwait, subsequent information reveals that Tiger 3 is, in fact, available in Vox Cinemas Kuwait. The film, however, remains unreleased in Vox Cinemas in Qatar and Oman. Vox Cinemas is showcasing the action epic in other Gulf countries such as the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, Mashable Middle East reported.
“The film has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India, but has faced objections from the governments and censor boards of the Islamic countries," reported Box Office Worldwide, as per Koimoi. "The makers have not yet commented on the ban or the possibility of making any changes to the films. The ban is expected to affect the overseas collections of the films, as the Gulf countries are a significant market for Bollywood films.”
Tiger 3, part of the YRF Spy Universe, boasts an ensemble cast featuring Salman Khan and Katrina as the lead characters, Tiger and Zoya, respectively. Emraan Hashmi plays the role of the antagonist, portraying the leader of a global terror organisation in this spy-thriller.
Released during Diwali, Tiger 3 made box office history by becoming the highest-grossing Diwali release. Despite its success domestically and globally, the ban in key Gulf countries raises questions about the delicate balance filmmakers must strike to ensure their content is culturally sensitive and avoids controversy on the international stage.
As of now, the makers of the offering have not issued any statements regarding the ban or indicated whether they plan to make alterations to the film to address the concerns raised by the Gulf nations. The unfolding situation will undoubtedly impact the film's performance in the international market and prompt a broader conversation about the cultural nuances that filmmakers navigate in the pursuit of a global audience.
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