India, Jan. 9 -- The Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene on the "unilateral" ban on Hindi film Dhurandhar in the United Arab Emirates and several other Middle Eastern countries, terming the move a suppression of freedom of expression.

Since its release on December 5, Dhurandhar has emerged as the highest-earning Hindi film ever with a net India collection of over Rs 831 crore. Globally, the movie has grossed over Rs 1220 crore.

In a letter addressed to the prime minister, the IMPPA said the film has been banned in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia despite receiving certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). "We earnest...