India release of ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ stuck as CBFC clearance delayed
PTC Web Desk: The release of the film “The Voice of Hind Rajab” in India is currently uncertain as it has not yet received approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The movie is based on the real story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, who was killed in 2024. It was recently nominated in the Best International Film category at the Academy Awards. The film’s distribution rights in India and some neighbouring countries were bought by Jai Viratra Entertainment Limited.
Distributor Manoj Nandwana said the film was shown to the censor board in February. According to him, the board did not point out any specific issues like violence, nudity or political content. However, he was informally told that the film is “very sensitive”.
Nandwana believes the delay may be linked to India’s relationship with Israel. He said no official list of cuts was given, which usually happens when changes are required. Instead, only a verbal concern was shared.
The film has now been sent to a revising committee, but Nandwana is not very hopeful. He fears that by the time a decision is made, the film may lose its relevance.
The makers of the film or the CBFC have not given any official statement so far.
Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the film tells the story of Hind Rajab, who was trying to escape Gaza City with her family when their car was attacked. The story is shown through conversations between the child and rescue workers. Sadly, she could not be saved.
The issue has also triggered political reactions. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the delay, saying that films should not be stopped because of relations with other countries. NCP (SP) leader Anish Gawande also spoke against the situation, calling it troubling.
The film had its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in 2025, where it received a strong response from the audience. It was also shown at the Toronto International Film Festival.
This is not the first time a film has faced such issues in India. Another film, “Santosh”, directed by Sandhya Suri, also could not get certification from the CBFC and did not release in the country.
- With inputs from agencies
