Oscar-nominated film censored and blocked from release in India as it’s ‘too sensitive’

The planned Indian release of The Voice of Hind Rajab has been stalled after the country’s certification board declined to clear the film, with its distributor claiming the decision is politically motivated.

Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, the Oscar-nominated feature tells the real-life story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl who was trapped in a car during an attack in Gaza and later found dead.

The film had been scheduled to open in India earlier this month, but remains unreleased after failing to secure approval from the Central Board of Film Certification.

Distributor Manoj Nandwana, who submitted the film for certification in February, said he had initially targeted a March release to coincide with the awards season.

Instead, he told Variety that he had been informed that the film’s subject matter was ‘very sensitive.’
He claims he was told by a CBFC member that ‘if it gets released it would break up the India-Israel relationship.’
He pointed out that the film has already screened in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy – all of which maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.

‘I told them: the India-Israel relationship is so strong that it’s idiotic to think this movie will break it,’ Nadawana said.

The controversy comes at a time when relations between India and Israel have been strengthening, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

His recent visit to Israel was the first by an Indian premier in 25 years since the two countries established full diplomatic relations, marking a notable shift from India’s historically pro-Palestinian stance.

‘You are a great friend of Israel, … Narendra.

You are more than a friend.

You are a brother,’ Netanyahu told Modi when both leaders addressed the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem during his visit.

Despite the distributor’s pushback, the film remains in limbo in India, with no confirmed release date.

The Voice of Hind Rajab has already built significant momentum internationally, however, and received addulation from critics and fans.

It premiered at the Venice Film Festival to a 20 minute standing ovation and went on to win the Silver Lion, further boosting its profile ahead of the Oscars.

Its ban from release in India is not unprecedented.

India’s certification board has previously halted films it considers politically sensitive.

Last year, the release of Santosh, a police drama tackling caste and religious tensions, was also blocked despite earlier approvals during production.

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