Tiger 3’s box office success has faced a setback as Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman reportedly banned the Salman Khan film, citing concerns about stereotyping Muslims. The film, part of the spy-thriller franchise, has been accused of playing into Islamophobic tropes, particularly with Emraan Hashmi’s portrayal of a global terror group chief. While the ban rumors are yet to be officially confirmed, some speculate it may be linked to a scene featuring Katrina Kaif in a towel. The film’s India-Pakistan narrative has also raised concerns in the Middle East, where it involves protagonists trying to prevent the assassination of Pakistan’s Prime Minister.
Despite becoming the highest-grossing Diwali release, Tiger 3 faces potential challenges in the Gulf region, where 25 to 30 percent of Indian movies’ overseas trade is attributed. The reported ban in Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman could impact the film’s business, with concerns raised about its portrayal of Muslims and the India-Pakistan narrative. The Middle East countries are reportedly cautious about releasing the film in their cinemas due to these factors, and the ban, if confirmed, might hinder the movie’s performance in these markets. The specific scene featuring Katrina Kaif and the broader narrative may have contributed to the apprehension in these regions.
