The National Award Winning director Rahul Dholakia’s ‘Lamhaa’ that opened worldwide on July 16, as per UAE National Media Council Censorship Board will not be releasing in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.

‘Lamhaa’, which is set on the background of Kashmir, is partly a love story between army officer (Sanjay Dutt) and a Kashmiri girl (Bipasha Basu) and is partially about the turmoil in the valley. Film features stars like Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu, Anupam Kher and Kunal Kapoor.

"There are no scenes that they want me to remove from the film. They have outrightly refused to screen Lamhaa," said producer Bunty Walia.

Decision by Middle East "outrageous”—Rahul Dholakia
Director of ‘Lamhaa’ Dholakia believes that Middle East authorities should have watched the film before taking such a stringent action against it.

“The Indian censor board has passed the film which proves that we have not crossed any lines,” said Dholakia.

However, even Indian censor board did not clear the film easily and had rejected the first promo. But after making certain changes gave it an ‘A’ certificate.

Anupam Kher too very upset with ban on ‘Lamhaa’ in Middle East
Veteran character actor Anupam Kher, who’s playing an important role in his latest released film ‘Lamhaa’, posted on his Twitter page that he’s in shock and is feeling upset about the ban imposed by Middle East authorities on the film.

"I am shocked to learn that Lamhaa is banned in Middle East. Why? Without even seeing the film. And we talk about progress and culture. Sad," read Anupam’s message posted on his Twitter page.

Even Sanjay Dutt tweeted his disappointment, “First the premiere of Lamhaa was not allowed in Kashmir.. Now the middle east puts a ban on the release of the film in their countries.”