Mudassar Aziz expressed his frustration after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) censored his latest directorial venture, Khel Khel Mein. This film marks Fardeen Khan’s return to acting on the big screen after staying away from it for 14 years, nevertheless he lost major parts of it when UAE Media Regulatory Office took them off.
Censorship Alters Fardeen Khan’s Character Arc
Khel Khel Mein has one of its most important cuts in the climax involving a key sequence which is central to Fardeen Khan’s character development. The scene was removed because it touched on same-sex relations under local restrictions. For viewers in UAE this censorship has significantly changed the narrative.
“This edit changes the narrative of Fardeen’s character” stated a fan from Dubai as quoted by Mid-Day. “It’s disheartening to see such an important moment erased. I felt cheated when I found out about this from Indian cine-goers. Censorship like this denies audiences the full experience of the film’s powerful message.”
Another dialogue that was scissored reads, “Meri 10 saal ki beti ki soch aapki soch se behtar hai.” Also, this line falls within the scope of progressive thinking and societal change in the movie but considered unfit for UAE audience too.
Mudassar Aziz Responds to Censorship
Going along with disappointment Mudassar Aziz shifted focus on wider implications of the film. “I’m a filmmaker,” he said, “and writing all kinds of characters and engaging in conversation about every imaginable topic is my professional and moral duty! Khel Khel Mein does that. While it’s heartbreaking to see that something so relevant, done with so much dignity and integrity didn’t make it to UAE release, I am thrilled at how those very scenes have been greeted by [the rest] of mankind,” he explained according to Mid-Day.
Fardeen Khan Stands by the Film’s Message
Fardeen Khan also weighed in on the situation. “I wanted to be a part of this conversation through my character in the film because I think it is important and relevant. However, even though there might have been some cuts, the purpose behind playing that role—that of acceptance—remains unchanged, and I still believe that the message is vital,” he added.
Akshay Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, Fardeen Khan as well as Ammy Virk are also there in addition with Taapsee Pannu among others. The movie was released on 15th August along with Vedaa and Stree 2.
