Aamir Khan’s Dangal Achieved Global Success But Skipped Release in Pakistan Due to Censorship
Bollywood megastar Aamir Khan’s biographical sports drama Dangal earned international acclaim, becoming India’s highest-grossing film with over ₹2,000 crore in global earnings. A large portion of this success came from China, where the movie struck an emotional chord with audiences. However, despite its widespread popularity, Dangal was never released in Pakistani theatres. The reason, as Aamir revealed in a recent episode of Aap Ki Adalat, was deeply tied to patriotism and censorship.
During his appearance on the show, the actor-producer explained why he personally decided to cancel the Pakistan release of the film. The Pakistan Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) had requested the removal of scenes featuring the Indian national flag and the national anthem, which appear during a triumphant moment in the film. Aamir felt this request compromised the essence of the movie and refused to alter the content.
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Pakistani Censor Board Demanded Removal of National Symbols, Prompting Aamir Khan to Stand Firm
In Dangal, the climactic moment shows Geeta Phogat, India’s first female wrestler to win at the international level, standing atop the podium as the Indian tricolour is raised and the national anthem plays. These scenes are pivotal in highlighting national pride, the triumph of women in sports, and the realization of the father’s dream.
However, Pakistan’s censor board issued a demand: the filmmakers must cut the Indian flag and anthem scenes if they wanted the film to be approved for release. Aamir Khan found the request unacceptable. He stated on the show, “Anyone who tells us to remove our Indian flag and national anthem — I have nothing to do with them.” His firm response was a refusal to compromise on national identity for the sake of box office profits.
The Flag and Anthem Scenes Were Core to Dangal’s Message of National Pride and Sporting Glory
The specific scenes that the censor board wanted removed were not just ornamental additions to the movie. They carried emotional and thematic weight that represented the culmination of the Phogat family’s journey. Dangal follows the real-life story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, played by Aamir Khan, who trained his daughters Geeta and Babita to become world-class wrestlers despite social opposition.
As Geeta wins gold and the flag is raised, the anthem plays in the background—this scene captures the moment India stands tall on the global stage. Removing it would dilute the film’s essence and erase the symbolic victory it portrays. Aamir explained that the film made no mention of Pakistan or any political stance. It was about Indian pride, women’s empowerment, and personal perseverance.
Refusing Pakistan Release Meant Financial Loss, But Aamir Prioritized Integrity Over Box Office Gains
The decision to deny Dangal’s release in Pakistan came at a cost. Industry analysts estimated a potential loss of ₹10–12 crore in revenue. Disney India, one of the film’s distributors, initially expressed concern about the financial implications of skipping a key South Asian market.
Despite this, Aamir Khan stood by his choice, emphasizing the importance of national dignity over monetary gains. “Our business will suffer, but our conscience won’t,” he said. His stance was widely praised across India, and the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly even passed a resolution applauding his decision. This act of integrity reinforced Aamir Khan’s commitment to upholding values through cinema.
Aamir Khan Has Previously Challenged Norms in Films Like Sarfarosh and Dangal
This was not the first time Aamir Khan had confronted geopolitical or cultural sensitivities through his films. In Sarfarosh (1999), he portrayed a police officer combating terrorism with direct references to Pakistan and cross-border militancy—something rarely seen in Indian films of that era. Despite initial resistance from censors, Sarfarosh was released without compromise and became a landmark film in his career.
By choosing to maintain authenticity and national sentiment in Dangal as well, Aamir once again proved that he is not only a skilled actor but also a conscientious storyteller who believes in using cinema as a medium for truth and inspiration.
About Dangal: A Record-Breaking Story of Empowerment, Dedication, and Indian Sporting History
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Dangal is based on the real-life story of Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat. Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra played the older versions of the daughters, while Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar portrayed their younger selves. Sakshi Tanwar took on the role of their mother.
The film earned ₹387 crore in India and over ₹2,070 crore worldwide. It resonated across borders, especially in China, where themes of discipline, female empowerment, and national pride found a universal audience. Dangal broke language barriers and demonstrated the global power of Indian storytelling.
Aamir Khan Now Looks Ahead to His Next Project: Sitaare Zameen Par
While reflecting on his past cinematic journey, Aamir is now preparing for his next release, Sitaare Zameen Par, which he describes as a spiritual successor to his 2007 film Taare Zameen Par. This upcoming drama stars Genelia D’Souza and is scheduled for a June 21 theatrical release. Fans are eagerly awaiting another heartfelt performance that blends emotion, message, and mass appeal.
Aamir Khan’s Refusal to Alter Dangal is a Testament to Patriotism and Creative Integrity
The controversy surrounding the Aamir Khan Dangal Pakistan release reveals much more than a disagreement between filmmakers and censors. It underscores the challenges of maintaining creative freedom in the face of political and cultural restrictions. Aamir’s firm refusal to comply with Pakistan’s censor demands shows his commitment to his values and his country.
By prioritizing artistic and national integrity over profit, Aamir Khan set a strong example for the Indian film industry and audiences alike. His decision may have cost him short-term gains, but it reinforced his long-standing image as a responsible and principled voice in Indian cinema.
