Fans of Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone across the Gulf must prepare for disappointment, as their highly anticipated aerial action thriller “Fighter” has been officially banned from theatrical release in the region. This news comes as a major setback for the film, slated to hit Indian screens on January 25.
Film analyst Girish Johar confirmed the ban on Twitter, stating that only the United Arab Emirates has granted “Fighter” a PG-15 release. While the specific reason for the ban remains undisclosed, speculation centres around the film’s sensitive subject matter.
At the heart of “Fighter” lies the real-life Balakot airstrike, a daring military operation by the Indian Air Force against a terror camp in Pakistan. This event, undertaken in retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack, holds both political and emotional significance for India. It’s possible that the film’s portrayal of this sensitive topic raised concerns for Gulf censors.
Directed by Siddharth Anand, “Fighter” boasts a star-studded cast beyond Roshan and Padukone, including Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, and Akshay Oberoi. While Indian audiences eagerly await the film’s release, its absence from Gulf theatres leaves a bittersweet feeling for fans living in the region.
Deepika & Hrithik Reunite for Action-Packed “Fighter”
Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan are back to set the screen ablaze with their third collaboration, “Fighter,” hitting theatres on January 25th. This aerial action thriller isn’t just a high-octane movie; it’s a reunion of cinematic powerhouses and a testament to boundless ambition.
A History of Soaring Success:
This isn’t the first time Deepika and Hrithik have taken flight together. Their first film, “Bang Bang!” soared past expectations, raking in a whopping ₹340 crore worldwide on a budget of ₹160 crore. Their second collaboration, “War,” alongside Tiger Shroff, broke even more records, minting a staggering ₹471 crore with a budget of ₹150 crore.
Fighter: More Than Just a Movie:
Director Siddharth Anand, who helmed both “Bang Bang!” and “War,” calls “Fighter” more than just a film. It’s the ambitious debut project of his and his wife Mamta’s production company, MARFLIX. He pours his heart out, saying, “We have given it all to this one.”
Taking Flight with the Stars:
Hrithik Roshan plays Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania aka Patty, while Deepika Padukone takes on the role of Squadron Leader Minal Rathore aka Minni. Veteran actor Anil Kapoor adds gravitas as Group Captain Rakesh Jai Singh, aka Rocky.
“Fighter” arrives with a cocktail of excitement and nervousness, as Siddharth shares. He hopes to replicate the phenomenal success of “Pathaan” and capture the hearts of audiences once again.