Bell Bottom marks the first big theatrical release since the second wave and the resultant lockdown.
The much-awaited movie is receiving both viewership and praise across the nation. However, three middle-eastern countries are not as happy with the movie, going as far as banning it.
The reason cited is the tampering of historical facts.
Also Read; Bell Bottom May Premiere On Amazon Prime Video 4 Weeks After Theatrical Release
The movie is based on a real-life incident that took place around the time Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister. Akshay Kumar’s character, a RAW agent referred to as Bell Bottom, is counted upon to ensure a hijacked plane and its over 200 passengers return to the ground safely.
The film certification in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar has banned the film for allegedly ‘tampering with historical facts.’
“The second half of Bell Bottom shows the hijackers taking the aircraft to Dubai from Lahore. As per the actual incident that took place in 1984, United Arab Emirates Defence Minister, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, had personally handled the situation and it was the UAE authorities who had nabbed the hijackers,” Bollywood Hungama quoted a source saying.
It can be speculated that that has been taken to heart. “So, there’s a strong possibility that the Censor Board in the Middle Eastern countries must have taken objection to it and hence banned it,” the source added.
Bell Bottom has been in theatres since August 19. It was directed by Ranjit Tewari and stars Vaani Kapoor, Lara Dutta, Huma Qureshi, Adil Hussain in key roles.
The film was released across India with 50% occupancy. On August 20, the film raked in Rs 2.75 crore in box office credits while on Saturday, it garnered Rs 2.40 crore, as per a media report.
Lara Dutta’s transformation into the then Prime Minister is being especially lauded.
