The movie, directed by French-Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, tells the real-life story of five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed during Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Manoj Nandwana, the film’s Indian distributor, said a CBFC member told him the release could hurt India’s ties with Israel. Nandwana was never officially notified of the ban.

“The Voice of Hind Rajab” has been shown worldwide, including in Israel, and was screened at a Kolkata festival last November. Nandwana questioned why the film is considered sensitive for Indian viewers.

India has been expanding cooperation with Israel in defence, technology, and agriculture while maintaining historic support for a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Modi recently visited Israel, shortly before Israel and the US launched airstrikes on Iran.

Opposition leader Shashi Tharoor called the ban disgraceful, saying cinema reflects a society’s freedom of expression. He argued that stopping films to avoid offending other countries is not suitable for a mature democracy.

Also Read:Nora Fatehi breaks silence on her Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke controversy

The film won the Silver Lion grand jury prize at the Venice Film Festival and was nominated for Best International Feature at the Oscars, but lost to Norway’s “Sentimental Value.”