Indian films Singham Again, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Amaran will not release in Saudi Arabia. The three films are slated for release during Diwali. Apart from the Gulf nation, the films will see a regular release in the rest of UAE.

Saudi Arabia is very strict about Indian films. Gulf authorities do not allow Indian movies with nationalistic elements, religious or sexual content to be screened in theatres. However, this is not the first time that Indian movies have been banned in the Gulf nation.

For the unversed, concerned Saudi Arabian authorities review films and censor or ban those containing religiously sensitive material, explicit sexuality, or themes contradicting their local customs. This approach isn’t just limited to Indian films but also movies from other regions with similar content. Some films are specifically edited to comply with Saudi standards or not screened at all.

In India, like every year, the Diwali window is packed with a bouquet of film releases. Kartik Aaryan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is clashing with Ajay Devgn-Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again on November 1. In the South, Tamil films Amaran starring Sivakarthikeyan, Kavin’s Bloody Beggar and Jayam Ravi’s Brother released on October 31. Telugu films KA, Bagheera and Lucky Baskhar also released on the same date.