India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has officially blocked the theatrical release of the Oscar-nominated Tunisian documentary The Voice of Hind Rajab, which depicts the tragic death of a five-year-old girl during the Israel-Gaza conflict. According to the film's Indian distributor, authorities explicitly warned that screening the film could severely damage India's diplomatic relationship with Israel.
Distributor's Account of the Ban
Manoj Nandwana, representing Mumbai-based Jai Viratra Entertainment, disclosed to Variety that he submitted the film for certification in February 2025, aiming for a mid-March release ahead of the Academy Awards. However, the CBFC refused approval, with Nandwana recounting that officials told him the film would "break up" India-Israel relations if released. Nandwana expressed frustration, stating, "I told them: the India-Israel relationship is so strong that it's idiotic to think this movie will break it."
Film Content and International Recognition
Written and directed by acclaimed Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, The Voice of Hind Rajab portrays the harrowing death of Hind Rajab in January 2024, as she and her family fled bombing in Gaza City. The documentary incorporates the actual audio of Rajab's desperate phone calls to emergency operators while awaiting rescue, with actors dramatising the responders' roles. The film earned an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film, competing against titles like It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, and Sentimental Value, though it did not win the award.
Political Context and Censorship Trends
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has consistently voiced strong support for Israel, being among the first nations to condemn the 7 October 2023 attacks. In February 2025, Modi conducted a two-day official visit to Israel, resulting in multiple bilateral agreements. The CBFC has a documented history of censoring politically sensitive films, including the critically praised Santosh, which was withdrawn from its March 2025 Indian debut due to concerns over its depiction of misogyny, Islamophobia, and police violence in India. Santosh was subsequently blocked from an October 2025 streaming release as well.
International Release and Distributor's Critique
Nandwana highlighted that The Voice of Hind Rajab has been successfully released in the United States, United Kingdom, and other countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Israel, yet the CBFC insists on censoring it in India. He remarked, "[CBFC] wants to censor it anyway," underscoring the board's stringent approach. The CBFC has not provided an official comment on the matter, leaving the distributor's claims unchallenged publicly.
