The UAE, one of the largest film markets in the Middle East, has banned the Nepali film ‘Dukhi Aatma‘ from screening. This ban comes after the film failed to pass the country’s censorship approval. As a result, Bahrain, which follows similar media content regulations, has also halted its screening.

Director Dipendra Lama confirmed that UAE’s censor board denied permission for the film’s release, citing that it didn’t meet the country’s media content criteria. “The authorities said the film couldn’t be shown because it didn’t pass under our national media content standards,” Lama said, quoting government officials.

Bahrain, like the UAE, has stringent media content regulations, while Qatar approved the film without any cuts, according to Lama.

The film was denied a release in the UAE primarily due to its adult themes. The local distributor had submitted the film for censor approval twice. Initially, some scenes were requested to be cut, but even after making those adjustments, the film was still not approved. The distribution rights were handled by Sathi Bhai Entertainment.

The UAE has a history of banning films with sexual content, homosexuality, and extremist ideologies. Many Hollywood and Bollywood films have faced similar bans in the country. This is likely the first time a Nepali film has been restricted in such a way. Dukhi Aatma tells the story of a character struggling with sexual dysfunction, featuring actors Dayahang Rai and Aanchal Sharma.

The film is set to be released in Australia and Japan this Saturday and will debut in South Korea on February 23. However, it has not yet secured distribution deals in the US or Europe. In Nepal, the film continues to be screened in theaters.