India Blocks Oscar-Nominated Film ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ Over Israel Concerns
New Delhi – The Indian Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has blocked the theatrical release of “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” an Oscar-nominated documentary-drama, citing concerns over potential repercussions for India-Israel relations, according to the film’s India distributor.
Manoj Nandwana, head of Mumbai-based Jai Viratra Entertainment, confirmed the decision, stating the CBFC declined to certify the film despite a planned release date of March 6, 2026. The film centers on Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed during Israeli military operations in Gaza in January 2024. “A CBFC member told me that if this film is released, it could affect the India-Israel relationship,” Nandwana told Variety, as reported by The Hindu.
“The Voice of Hind Rajab” utilizes actual audio recordings of Hind Rajab’s desperate pleas for help during a three-hour phone call with the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) while trapped in a car surrounded by gunfire. The PRCS dispatched an ambulance to rescue her, but both the ambulance and its crew were later found destroyed, with Hind and her family confirmed dead, having been hit by approximately 335 rounds, according to The Quint.
The film, directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2025, where it received a 23-minute standing ovation and won the Grand Jury Prize. It was subsequently nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Academy Awards. Despite its critical acclaim and international distribution, the film’s depiction of the events surrounding Hind Rajab’s death proved contentious for Indian regulators.
Nandwana indicated he had anticipated the CBFC’s decision, noting that previous film festival screenings requiring Ministry of Information and Broadcasting clearance had been denied over the past year. He as well referenced a previous instance where the film “Land Jihad” was rejected by the Censor Board with a written explanation citing potential communal issues, as reported by The Hindu.
The decision has drawn criticism from opposition figures in India. Shashi Tharoor, a member of Parliament from the Indian National Congress, described the ban as “a disgrace for a democracy,” stating via social media that film screenings should reflect freedom of expression and not be subject to foreign policy considerations. The Quint reported on the growing debate surrounding censorship and its implications for artistic freedom in India.
The CBFC has referred the film to a Revising Committee for further review, according to a senior official who spoke to The Hindu. As of March 25, 2026, the outcome of this review remains pending. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the CBFC have not publicly responded to queries regarding the decision, and Nandwana has stated he does not intend to pursue a legal challenge.
The film has already been released in several countries with close ties to Israel, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France, according to The Indian Express.