Indian Film Board Blocks Release of Oscar-Nominated Gaza Drama
The Indian release of The Voice of Hind Rajab, the Oscar-nominated Tunisian film depicting the death of a five-year-old girl during the Israel-Gaza conflict, has been blocked by India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), according to the film's Indian distributor.
Manoj Nandwana, from Mumbai-based Jai Viratra Entertainment, stated that authorities warned the screening of Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s docudrama could negatively impact India–Israel relations.
“I was told that if the film was released, it would ‘break up’ India-Israel relations,”
Nandwana explained that he submitted the film to the CBFC in February with plans for a mid-March release, shortly before the Academy Awards. However, the film was not approved for release.
“I told them: the India-Israel relationship is so strong that it’s idiotic to think this movie will break it.”
About the Film and Its Context
Written and directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, The Voice of Hind Rajab portrays the death of Rajab in January 2024 as she and her family tried to escape bombings in Gaza City. The film incorporates the actual audio of Rajab’s distressed phone call to emergency operators while she awaited assistance, with the operators’ voices performed by actors.
The film was nominated for the Best International Feature Film Oscar alongside other contenders but did not win.
India's Political Stance and Film Censorship
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has expressed strong support for Israel, especially following the 7 October attacks. In February, Modi visited Israel, during which multiple agreements were signed, further strengthening bilateral ties.
The CBFC has a history of blocking politically sensitive films. For example, the film Santosh was withdrawn from its planned March 2025 debut in India due to concerns about its depiction of misogyny, Islamophobia, and violence within the Indian police force. Although Santosh was scheduled for streaming release in India in October 2025, that release was also halted.
Nandwana noted that despite the film being released in countries such as the US and UK, which maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, the CBFC still intends to censor it.
“[CBFC] wants to censor it anyway.”
The CBFC has been contacted for comment regarding the decision.
