Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again, Kartik Aaryan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Banned In Saudi Arabi

As Bollywood gears up for Diwali blockbuster season, with Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again and Kartik Aaryan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 all set to clash at the box office, there’s been a hiccup in their global release. While fans worldwide are ready for the drama, action, and chills these films promise, audiences in Saudi Arabia won’t be joining in. Both films have been barred from screening in the Middle-Eastern country due to their depiction of themes that clash with local cultural and religious guidelines.

The Saudi Ban: A Tale of Two Themes

Saudi Arabia’s film censor board is known for its strict criteria, and it seems Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 hit a nerve. Singham Again, the latest in Rohit Shetty’s cop universe and the third sequel featuring Ajay Devgn as DCP Bajirao Singham, dives into themes inspired by the Ramayana, with elements of religious conflict woven into its storyline. This portrayal reportedly didn’t sit well with the Saudi board, which maintains a firm stance against any content perceived as religiously sensitive.

On the other hand, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, a continuation of the popular horror-comedy franchise starring Kartik Aaryan, ran into trouble for entirely different reasons. Known for its supernatural scares with a humorous twist, this third installment introduces “homosexual references” that were flagged by the Saudi authorities. The board remains especially cautious about themes they view as culturally incompatible, resulting in a full ban of the film in Saudi theaters.

Global Reach and Diwali Release Plans

Though Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 won’t be reaching Saudi screens, fans in other parts of the Gulf, including the UAE, can still enjoy both films without any edits. Bollywood enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, may have to wait for these films to arrive on streaming platforms if they hope to watch them legally.

As for the films themselves, Singham Again is a high-octane addition to Shetty’s cop universe, drawing direct parallels with characters from the Ramayana—Ajay Devgn’s Singham representing Lord Ram, with Arjun Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor in the roles of Raavan and Sita, respectively. Joining the saga, Tiger Shroff and Ranveer Singh’s characters embody Lakshman and Hanuman, adding fresh faces to this ever-expanding cinematic universe.

Meanwhile, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 looks to be another whirlwind of supernatural laughs, bringing Kartik Aaryan back to a franchise loved for its mix of spine-chilling suspense and humor. However, it’s this very combination that raised eyebrows in Saudi Arabia, ultimately making the film a no-go in their theaters.

What’s Next?

For now, Singham Again and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 are all set for their Diwali debuts in most of the world, promising an intense box-office showdown for fans in India and beyond. If this ban has stirred up any curiosity, it’s only likely to fuel international viewership, giving Bollywood enthusiasts everywhere a bit more reason to tune in this Diwali season.