The Diwali box office is about to heat up with the highly anticipated releases of ‘Singham Again’ and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, but both films are facing unforeseen challenges. While audiences eagerly await their cinematic clash, news has emerged that both films have been banned in Saudi Arabia, adding a layer of controversy to the festive season.
‘Singham Again’, starring Ajay Devgn, has been banned in Saudi Arabia due to what the government considers ‘controversial’ references to religious conflict. Reports indicate the ban stems from the film’s depiction of Hindu-Muslim tensions, a sensitive topic in the region. The film’s trailer, which featured characters as modern interpretations of the Ramayana, appears to have sparked this controversy.
Meanwhile, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, starring Kartik Aaryan, has faced a ban in Saudi Arabia for its portrayal of homosexuality. Fans have speculated that the characters played by Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit in the film are a couple, and the ban seems to confirm their suspicions. While the specific details of the film’s depiction remain unclear, the ban highlights the ongoing challenges of representing LGBTQ+ themes in certain regions.
The controversies don’t end there. ‘Singham Again’ is also facing a delayed release in Singapore, with reports pointing to censorship compliance issues. The Rohit Shetty-directed film was initially scheduled for a November 1st release but will now hit screens on November 7th. This delay is attributed to the film not completing its censor process on time.
Despite these setbacks, both films are expected to dominate the Indian box office throughout the Diwali weekend. They will be shown on over 6,000 screens nationwide, with ‘Singham Again’ commanding 60% of the screens and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ taking the remaining 40%. Trade experts predict a strong opening for both films, with ‘Singham Again’ projected to earn between ₹40-45 crore and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ anticipated to bring in ₹20-25 crore.
The box office clash between these two films is set to be intense, with audiences eager to see which film will emerge victorious. However, the bans in Saudi Arabia and Singapore add another layer of intrigue to this already high-stakes battle, highlighting the complex challenges of navigating cultural sensitivities and censorship regulations in a globalized entertainment industry.
