15 May,2026 04:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Aakhri Sawal (Pic/X)
Sanjay Dutt's Aakhri Sawal has finally hit the screens on May 15 worldwide. However, the film is reportedly facing roadblocks in the UAE, where it has been put on hold.
Just a couple of days before its release, the film got cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Although the Indian censor board allowed the movie to be released with a UA 16+ certificate, the UAE censor board reportedly suggested multiple cuts, which the makers reportedly refused to adhere.
According to a Times Now report, Aakhri Sawal has been banned in the UAE since the censor board recommended several cuts for the film's release. The makers were reportedly confident about their decision to release the same version as in India. As a result, taking a stand against the UAE censor board's demand, the makers chose not to release it in the UAE at all.
When Zoom verified the details, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, which was also released on May 15, has been listed for screenings in most UAE cities. Similarly, other Indian films, such as Daadi Ki Shaadi and Karuppu, are getting a decent number of shows. Hollywood films like The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Michael are also available for the audience. But Aakhri Sawal wasn't seen.
After films like Dhurandhar and Border 2 were banned earlier, Aakhri Sawal has become the latest Hindi movie to be banned in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.
Usually, Hindi films with political subjects revolving around India and Pakistan's conflict are banned from releasing in the UAE and other Gulf countries. The Dhurandhar franchise, a spy thriller, and Border 2, an Indo-Pak war movie, were also banned in the region.
Aakhri Sawal also stars Namashi Chakraborty, Amit Sadh, Sameera Reddy, Nitu Chandra, Tridha Choudhury, Mrinal Kulkarni, Harsimran Oberoi and others in key roles along with Sanjay. The film touches on topics like freedom of speech and debates rooted in India's socio-political history, while also focusing on the controversial incidents associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
