India Clears Controversial Gaza-Set Film “The Voice of Hind Rajab” for Theatrical Release

India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has issued an ‘A’ certificate for Kaouther Ben Hania’s Oscar-nominated drama “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” clearing it for theatrical release in India on 19 June after a March block was lifted.

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CBFC’s initial refusal followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February 2024 visit to Israel, the first in 25 years, which highlighted expanding ties. The film depicts the 2024 death of five-year-old Palestinian Hind Rajab, killed when an Israeli strike hit a car in Gaza—a campaign that has killed over 75,000 people since October 2023.

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Key actors are director Kaouther Ben Hania, distributor Manoj Nandwana of Jai Viratra Entertainment, the CBFC, and opposition MPs. Timeline: Feb 2024 – Modi’s Israel trip; Feb 2024 – Jai Viratra submits film; 19 Mar 2024 – CBFC blocks release; 24 Mar 2024 – MPs demand constitutional review; early Mar 2024 – Nandwana calls board’s concern ‘idiotic’; 19 Jun 2024 – film cleared.

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Jai Viratra thanked the CBFC for the certification and emphasized cinema’s role in fostering dialogue. Director Hania expressed gratitude and said Hind’s voice would be heard across South Asia. Opposition MPs called for a review that respects constitutional free-expression guarantees. The CBFC gave no separate comment.

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A CBFC member warned that releasing the film “would break up the India-Israel relationship,” reflecting censorship pressure. Critics say such pre-emptive bans erode constitutional free-speech guarantees and set a precedent for political interference in art.

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The film received an ‘A’ certificate, limiting viewership to adults 18 +. Jai Viratra holds rights for India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Gaza strikes have killed 75,000 people. At Venice the movie earned 20 minutes of applause and won the Silver Lion.

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The case tests India’s balance between an Israel partnership and constitutional free-expression rights. The board’s reversal may signal greater tolerance for contentious art, while the dispute highlights ongoing tensions over cultural diplomacy and state-imposed censorship.

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• “if it gets released it would break up the India-Israel relationship,” — CBFC member (reported)

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• “I told them: the India-Israel relationship is so strong that it’s idiotic to think this movie will break it,” — Manoj Nandwana, Jai Viratra Entertainment

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• “We would like to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), India, for granting certification without any cut to Voice of Hind Rajab and enabling Indian audiences to engage with this important cinematic work,” — Jai Viratra Entertainment statement

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• “Hind was a little girl whose voice should never have been silenced. Today, that voice will travel across South Asia and be heard by millions of people.” — Kaouther Ben Hania, social media post

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The film opens in Indian multiplexes on 19 June, with releases planned in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. NGOs say they will monitor any further state actions that could affect artistic freedom.

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