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List of films banned in India

This is a list of films that have been or are banned in India. This list includes titles that were refused a rating by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) initially or permanently. The list also includes films whose release or production was or are blocked by the central or a state government, or by a legal institution. Also included are films that faced a virtual ban, after theatre owners were compelled to stop screening by non-government groups.

Nationwide

Regional

Greater India

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

  • 2006 – The Da Vinci Code: It was banned after some Christians and Muslim organisations, who took offence, protested. Later, the ban was lifted by the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
  • 2011 – Aarakshan: It was banned on 11 August 2011 due to concerns that it may hurt weaker sections of the society. On 14 August 2011, the ban was revoked.
  • 2013 – Jabardasth: It was banned in 2013 due to copyright infringement of Yashraj Studios' movie Band Baaja Baaraat.

Assam

  • 1952 – Runumi: The film was suddenly banned by then Government of Assam headed by chief minister Bishnuram Medhi due to undisclosed reasons.
  • 2005 – Tango Charlie: The film was allegedly poorly researched and defamed the Bodo community.
  • 2023 – Sri Raghupati: The film was banned on 1 June 2023, a day before the release date, over allegations of breach of contract with former producer Suruj Sarma. The ban was lifted on 5 June 2023.

Chhattisgarh

Goa

  • 2006 – The Da Vinci Code: It was banned considering "public sentiments" after protests by Christian organisations.

Gujarat

  • 2005 – Chand Bhuj Gaya: This film, which has the Godhra train burning as a backdrop, was not released in Gujarat.
  • 2006 – Fanaa: It faced an unofficial ban due to the role of Aamir Khan, the lead actor, in the Narmada Bachao Andolan. Supreme Court of India directed that theatres wanting to screen the film should be provided police protection. But, most theatre owners decided not to screen it.
  • 2007 – Parzania: Parzania faced an unofficial ban after Bajrang Dal coaxed theatre owners to stop screening the film. Bajrang Dal activist Babu Bajrangi, who was later incarcerated for murder, conspiracy and spreading hatred in Naroda Patiya massacre of Gujarat riots, had the opinion that it may disrupt communal harmony in the state.
  • 2009 – Firaaq: Firaaq was allegedly not released by many theatres due to political pressure because it depicted the 2002 Gujarat riots. But, theatre owners cited a revenue sharing dispute.
  • 2017 – Padmaavat: Banned following controversies and threats of violence made by Rajput caste organization Shri Rajput Karni Sena.

Haryana

Jharkhand

Kerala

  • 2012 – Pithavinum Puthranum: The film, originally completed in 2012, is awaiting approval from the Censor Board as of January 2015. The film is reportedly based on a book by Sister Jesme and the Sister Abhaya murder case.
  • 2013 – Papilio Buddha: The Film was banned in India for its scenes of violence, and for its scathing critique of Gandhi's legacy. It is set among a community of Dalits, regarded as 'untouchables' in India, where they face caste oppression, discrimination and displacement.
  • 2015 – Chayam Poosiya Veedu: The film was not given a certificate since there is a nude scene in it.

Madhya Pradesh

Maharashtra

  • 2008 – Deshdrohi: The film was banned in November fearing breakdown of law and order in the state. The film depicted the attacks against North Indians in the state. The ban was lifted in January 2009 by the Bombay High Court.

Nagaland

  • 2006 – The Da Vinci Code: It was banned for portraying Jesus Christ and Christians in an 'objectionable' manner.

Punjab

  • 2003 – Hawayein (film): After release in theatres of Punjab the movie was taken out from theatres and eventually banned for depicting events of 1984 Sikh Genocide,Sikh militancy citing peace and order issues. Film was eventually banned in Punjab and Delhi.
  • 2006 – The Da Vinci Code: Chief Minister Amarinder Singh banned the film after an appeal by Punjabi Roman Catholic leaders.
  • 2011 – Aarakshan: On 11 August 2011, the film about honor killings in India was banned for hurting the feelings of the weaker sections of the society. But the ban was lifted on 14 August 2011 after a preview screening.
  • 2013 – Oh My Pyo Ji: The Punjab and Haryana High Court stayed the release of the film on the request of a producer; the request stemmed from a dispute between the two producers of the film.
  • 2013 – Sadda Haq: The film about the insurgency in Punjab was banned in Punjab by the state government. The ban was lifted by the Supreme Court on 28 April 2013, after a special court screening.
  • 2014 – Kaum De Heere: A film based on Indira Gandhi's assassins Satwant Singh and Beant Singh was banned by Censor Board.. Eventually the film was released through YouTube.
  • 2014 - 47 to 84: Film based on the insurgency in Punjab, India was banned. .
  • 2014 - Dilli 1984: Film based on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots was banned citing 'peace issues'.
  • 2015 – The Mastermind Jinda Sukha: A movie based on Harjinder Singh Jinda and Sukhdev Singh Sukha was banned following controversies. The movie was released abroad and later through YouTube.
  • 2015 – ': The Punjab government banned Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's film in the state.
  • 2015 – Blood Street: The film depicts the religion-based (Hindu-Sikh) riots that took place in Punjab. It also highlights the brutality of the Punjab Police at the time. It was scheduled to release in 2014 but was banned by the CBFC. The release of the movie was allowed in the following year but only after the "problematic" parts were cut.
  • 2015 – Nanak Shah Fakir: In April 2015, Punjab government and Chandigarh administration suspended the screening of the film, which depicted Guru Nanak, for two months (see aniconism in Sikhism).
  • 2015 – Pata Pata Singhan Da Vairi: Based on the 1980s and 1990s insurgency in Punjab, its released was stalled.
  • 2015 – MSG-2 The Messenger: On the release day, the film was banned by Mansa administration in Punjab but the ban was lifted later. However, theatre owners refused to screen it in Punjab citing law and order problems.
  • 2016 – Santa Banta Pvt Ltd: The film was banned by the state government for portraying Sikhs in a denigrating and defamatory manner.
  • 2016 – Dharam Yudh Morcha: Based on the life of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and involving events like the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, Operation Bluestar, 1978 Sikh–Nirankari clash, and the role of Major Shabeg Singh as an army officer, its theatrical release was banned which led to its release on YouTube.
  • 2017– Kharkuwaad - Portrays police brutality during the insurgency in Punjab, depicted the clashes that took place between the Sikh community and the Punjab Police at that time.
  • 2017 – Toofan Singh: A movie based on life of Jugraj Singh Toofan. The film was banned which led to its release on YouTube.
  • 2017 – Bhagat Singh Di Udeek - The title translates to “The wait of Bhagat Singh”, it describes how a common man falls prey to the atrocities of the system and is forced to fight the system single-handedly. It was initially delayed due to some technical errors and also faced rejection by the CBFC.
  • 2019 – Dastaan E Miri Piri : The film was banned in theatres for showing an animation of the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind. It was released on YouTube with many cuts and only portrayed a shadow of the fifth and sixth Sikh gurus.
  • 2020 – Shooter:- The film was banned because it was a biography of gangster Sukha Kahlwan.
  • 2021 – Shudra to Khalsa :- The film was banned in apprehension of rising tensions between caste groups.
  • 2022 – ' :- The film was banned in Punjab due to animation on Sikh Guru's family and especially some incorrect depiction of Sikh History as claimed by Sikh organisations.
  • 2025 – Hind Di Chadar Guru Ladho Re:- The movie was about to be released on 21 November, but was banned in Punjab as it was based on the life of ninth Sikh Guru, which showed the Guru and family in animated form.
  • 2025 – Emergency (2025 film):- The movie was banned in Punjab citing peace and stability disorder.

Rajasthan

  • 2008 – Jodhaa Akbar: The film was not released after theatre owners received letters written in blood from Karni Sena.
  • 2017 – Padmaavat: Following controversies and threats of violence made by Rajput caste organization Shri Rajput Karni Sena.

Tamil Nadu

  • 1987 – Ore Oru Gramathiley: It was banned for criticizing caste based reservations. The Supreme Court of India later allowed its release.
  • 2006 – The Da Vinci Code: It was banned after concerns that it may hurt religious sentiments. Later, Madras High Court allowed its screening.
  • 2011 – Dam 999: It was banned for allegedly spreading fear among people regarding the Mullaperiyar Dam.
  • 2013 – Vishwaroopam: The film was banned after objections were expressed by Muslim groups regarding the portrayal of the Muslim community in a bad light. The movie was later released after seven scenes were cut.

Uttar Pradesh

  • 2007 – Aaja Nachle: The movie was banned because the lyrics of the title song was allegedly humiliating the Dalits. The lyrics were later changed. The ban was lifted later after the producers apologized.
  • 2008 – Jodhaa Akbar: The film was banned fearing breach of peace after protests from a Rajput group. The Supreme Court later lifted the ban.
  • 2011 – Aarakshan: It had been banned due to objectionable dialogues. Later, Supreme Court lifted the ban. The film was based on the topic of reservations in jobs and education.

West Bengal

  • 1992 – City of Joy: The film's shooting was banned in Calcutta for a while due to negative portrayal of the city.
  • 2013 – Kangal Malsat: In February 2013, a revising committee of the CBFC refused to pass the film citing excessive use of abusive language, sexuality and frivolous approach in portraying of social movements. The film was cleared later by the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal after some edits.
  • 2023 – The Kerala Story : In May 2023, the West Bengal government banned the film due to controversy over the portrayal of the love jihad conspiracy theory.

See also

References