In a significant reversal, the Oscar-nominated documentary ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ has been cleared for release in India. The country’s Central Board of Film Certification had blocked the politically sensitive film’s release in March.
After weeks of controversy over the initial censorship, the CBFC has now granted the film an ‘A’ certificate. This rating means the film has been cleared for theatrical release without any cuts, according to Mumbai-based distributor Jai Viratra Entertainment.
The film tells the real story of Hind Rajab, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl who was trapped inside a car attacked by Israeli forces in Gaza and was later found dead. Winning this censorship battle means the film will get a theatrical release across India on June 19.
In March, Jai Viratra chief Manoj Nandwana told Variety that he had submitted the film for certification in February, intending a March 6 release. He said a CBFC member told him then that ‘if it gets released it would break up the India-Israel relationship.’
The CBFC’s initial reluctance came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in late February. The visit underscored a shift in Israel-India relations under Modi, whose embrace of Israel marks a departure from India’s historical support for the Palestinians.
Nandwana argued to the board that ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ had been released in many countries that have a relationship with Israel, including the U.S., U.K., Italy, and France. ‘I told them: the India-Israel relationship is so strong that it’s idiotic to think this movie will break it,’ he said.
Jai Viratra Entertainment issued a statement expressing gratitude to the CBFC. ‘We firmly believe that cinema serves as a powerful medium for storytelling, dialogue, and understanding diverse human experiences,’ the company said. It also thanked media, industry colleagues, and well-wishers for their support.
‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September, receiving over 20 minutes of applause and winning the Silver Lion. The film has been released in the U.S. by Willa after other American distributors passed on it.
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