Censor Controversy Over Oscar Film: MPs Write to Minister

The Oscar-nominated film The Voice of Hind Rajab, based on the real story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl who died during the Gaza war, is facing issues in India. Reports say that the Central Board of Film Certification has not given clearance for the film’s release. This has created a major political discussion.

The film has already received international recognition, including an award at the Venice Film Festival and has been appreciated in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and France. However, it is said that some members of the censor board have raised concerns that releasing the film in India might affect diplomatic relations between India and Israel.

Several opposition leaders, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, have written to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. They argued that stopping a film based on a child’s story in the name of foreign relations goes against freedom of expression. They have requested the minister to step in and ensure that the film gets approval for release in India.