John Abraham’s latest political thriller, The Diplomat, has faced a major setback in the Middle East, with reports confirming its ban in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar.
While officials have not provided a reason, industry insiders speculate that the film’s politically sensitive themes may have led to the restriction.
The ban places The Diplomat among a growing list of Indian films that have faced censorship in Gulf countries due to controversial content. Previously, Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 and Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force were also restricted in certain Middle Eastern nations over their portrayal of political and religious themes.
Despite the ban, The Diplomat continues to generate buzz for its storyline. Directed by Shivam Nair and written by Ritesh Shah, the film is inspired by the real-life efforts of Indian diplomat J.P. Singh in rescuing Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman trapped in a forced marriage in Pakistan. The movie, which was released on March 14, 2025, delves into diplomatic tensions and international rescue missions.
Alongside John Abraham, the film features Sadia Khateeb and Sharib Hashmi in pivotal roles. Produced by T-Series, JA Entertainment, Wakaoo Films, and Fortune Pictures, The Diplomat adds another powerful political drama to Abraham’s filmography.
