New Delhi, In what appears to be a diplomatic and cultural setback for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Gulf countries have imposed a ban on the Bollywood film ‘Article 370’, despite its public endorsement by Modi. The film, starring Yami Gautam, delves into the contentious abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which had previously granted special status to the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the movie attempts to navigate the complex political landscape of Kashmir following the 2019 decision by the BJP government to revoke the territory’s special status. The portrayal within the film, particularly its depiction of the Kashmiri freedom struggle as equated with terrorism, echoes the BJP’s controversial stance on the issue.

The Gulf’s decision to ban ‘Article 370’ highlights the international sensitivity surrounding the depiction of Kashmir’s socio-political issues in media and entertainment. The film’s narrative, which suggests that “Terrorism is a business in Kashmir—nothing to do with Azadi, everything to do with money,” has sparked significant debate, reflecting deep divisions in understanding the Kashmir conflict.

This move by the Gulf countries signals a broader critique of India’s political messaging on Kashmir and its impact on global perceptions of the region’s ongoing struggle for self-determination. The ban not only represents a diplomatic embarrassment for Modi but also underscores the challenges faced by Bollywood in navigating the geopolitical narratives surrounding Kashmir.