New Delhi, Jan. 10 -- The Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene after the blockbuster film Dhurandhar was banned in several Middle Eastern countries, labelling the move a suppression of creative freedom and freedom of expression.

The appeal follows the decision by authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia to prohibit theatrical releases of Dhurandhar, despite the film receiving certification from India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

In a formal letter addressed to the Prime Minister, IMPPA said it was seeking urgent government action to reverse what it described as a "unilateral and uncalled for ban"...