New Delhi – A group of Opposition Members of Parliament has written to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking his intervention in the case of the film The Voice of Hind Rajab. The MPs have raised concerns about the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) allegedly denying certification through oral communication instead of following the proper written process.
The letter, dated March 24, 2026, was signed by eight Rajya Sabha MPs. These include Jairam Ramesh from Congress, John Brittas from CPI(M), Manoj Kumar Jha from RJD, Ram Gopal Yadav and Javed Ali Khan from SP, Haris Beeran from IUML, Sarfaraz Ahmad from JMM, and Rajathi from DMK (with some reports also mentioning Salma). The MPs expressed deep concern over reports that the CBFC orally declined to certify the Tunisian-produced film directed by Kaouther Ben Hania.
The film is an internationally acclaimed docudrama based on the real-life story of Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl killed during the 2024 Gaza conflict. It received an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film and has been released in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Italy.
According to the film’s Indian distributor, Manoj Nandwana of Jai Viratra Entertainment Limited, the movie was submitted to the CBFC in February 2026 for certification. The plan was to release it around March 6, ahead of the Oscars. The screening committee reportedly found no issues with violence or other technical aspects. However, the distributor was told informally that the film could not be certified because its release might affect India’s diplomatic ties with Israel. Nandwana publicly called this reason “idiotic,” noting the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The MPs’ letter points out that the Cinematograph Act, 1952, requires a transparent and reasoned certification process. They argue that any denial through “oral instructions” or “informal advisories” goes against the law and undermines public trust in the CBFC. The letter states that the screening of a film is an exercise of artistic expression protected by the Constitution and cannot depend on perceived diplomatic concerns.
“Disagreement with the perspective presented in a film cannot, by itself, constitute a valid ground for restricting public exhibition,” the MPs wrote. They urged the government to direct the CBFC to examine the film strictly according to constitutional principles of freedom of expression and grant certification at the earliest.
Background of the Film and Its Global Recognition
The Voice of Hind Rajab is a docudrama that tells the story of the tragic killing of a five-year-old girl in Gaza. It focuses on the Red Crescent response and the events surrounding her death. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2025, where it received a long standing ovation and awards. It was selected as Tunisia’s entry for the Oscars and got nominated, though it did not win.
The film has been praised as an important work on humanitarian issues. Director Kaouther Ben Hania is known for her powerful storytelling. The movie has already reached audiences in many parts of the world without reported issues related to diplomatic ties.
In India, the distributor submitted the film expecting a smooth process. Instead, the matter has now reportedly been referred to the CBFC’s Revising Committee. As of late March 2026, there is no final written decision, and the planned release date has passed.
What the MPs Said in the Letter
The joint letter highlights several key points. First, it questions whether factors outside the statutory framework influenced the CBFC’s decision. Second, it stresses that informal methods of denial erode the credibility of regulatory bodies. Third, it warns that linking film certification to foreign policy could set a dangerous precedent.
The MPs noted that India’s strength as a democracy lies in its ability to allow diverse views and let the public decide through open discussion. They said the film should be tested in the “marketplace of ideas” rather than stopped by prior restraint.
John Brittas, one of the signatories, has spoken about the need for transparency in the certification process. Other MPs have echoed the view that artistic freedom should not be curtailed based on geopolitical sensitivities.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor earlier commented on the issue, calling the reported blocking “pretty disgraceful.” He said in a post that in a democracy, screening a film reflects society’s freedom of expression and has nothing to do with government-to-government relations. He added that the practice of banning films because they might offend foreign countries must stop, as it is unworthy of a mature democracy.
Distributor’s Account and CBFC Process
Manoj Nandwana told international media outlets that a CBFC member informally conveyed the concerns about India-Israel ties. He pointed out that the film has been released in many countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, yet India is taking a different stand.
The CBFC has not issued any official public statement on the matter as of March 29, 2026. Some reports mention that the film has been sent to the Revising Committee for further review. Under the Cinematograph Act, the board is expected to provide clear reasons in writing if certification is refused or cuts are suggested.
This is not the first time questions have been raised about the CBFC’s handling of sensitive films. In the past, other movies with political or social themes have faced delays or modifications.
Broader Questions on Freedom of Expression
The controversy has brought attention to the balance between artistic freedom and other considerations in India. The MPs argue that the Constitution protects the right to express ideas, even if they are uncomfortable or touch on international issues.
They have reminded that India’s civilizational values have always supported plurality of thought. Suppressing a film based on its content, without proper legal process, could affect India’s image as an open society.
Civil society groups and film industry voices have also started discussing the issue, though the main focus remains on the parliamentary letter and the call for ministerial intervention.
As of now, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has not given any official reply to the MPs’ letter. Pressure is building for a clear response on how the CBFC will handle the case going forward.
Timeline of Events
- February 2026: Film submitted to CBFC for certification.
- March 6, 2026 (planned): Intended India release date, which was missed.
- March 19, 2026: Reports emerge about oral denial citing diplomatic concerns.
- March 24, 2026: Opposition MPs send joint letter to Ashwini Vaishnaw.
- Late March 2026: Film reportedly referred to Revising Committee; no final decision announced.
The matter continues to draw attention both in India and abroad.
Quotes from Relevant Personalities
“In a democracy, you cannot ban a film through whispers. Everything must be on paper. If you don’t like a film, let the people decide, not the bureaucrats.” — Manoj Kumar Jha, MP (RJD).
“Stopping this film is pretty disgraceful. It is unworthy of a country that calls itself the Mother of Democracy.” — Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament.
FAQs
Q1: What is ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ about?
A: It is a Tunisian docudrama directed by Kaouther Ben Hania. The film is based on the real story of Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl killed in Gaza in 2024. It shows events related to her death and the response by Red Crescent workers.
Q2: Why have Opposition MPs written to Ashwini Vaishnaw?
A: The MPs are concerned that the CBFC denied certification through oral communication without a proper written order. They say this violates the Cinematograph Act and affects freedom of expression. They want the minister to direct the CBFC to follow due process and decide based on law.
Q3: What reason was reportedly given for not certifying the film?
A: According to the distributor, an informal communication mentioned that the film’s release might harm India-Israel diplomatic ties. The distributor and MPs have questioned this approach.
Q4: Has the film been released in other countries?
A: Yes. It has been released in the US, UK, France, Italy, and other places. It was also nominated for an Oscar.
Q5: What has Shashi Tharoor said about this?
A: He called the reported blocking “pretty disgraceful” and said linking film screening to foreign relations is unworthy of a mature democracy.
Q6: What is the current status of the film in India?
A: The film has been referred to the CBFC Revising Committee. There is no final certification decision yet, and no official statement from the CBFC or the ministry.