‘Badhaai Do’ banned in Sharjah, Kenya

The Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar-starrer Indian comedy drama "Badhaai Do", whose storyline revolves around a lavender wedding of convenience, is all set for a release in UAE. The movie, however, will not be screened in Sharjah.

After receiving the Censor certificate, the film will be screened in only night shows in UAE for persons above 21 years of age.

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Earlier, when certain countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, banned the screening of Chloe Zhao's sci-fi adventure drama, "Eternals" because of the refusal of its makers to delete certain same-sex couple scenes, the UAE had allowed the film's release.

Although "Badhaai Do" has no obvious expressions of same-sex love, as in the case of the "Eternals" characters Ben and Phastos kissing each other, it clearly has an LGBTQ+ theme, which is not acceptable in the Middle East.

Moreover, the Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) has banned "Badhaai Do". 

In a press statement, Acting KFCB CEO Christopher Wambua stated that the film promotes same-sex marriage which is contrary to the Kenya constitution.

"Badhaai Do overtly disregards our laws, constitution and sensibilities as a people," said Wambua. 

According to him, the film tries to promote same-sex marriage as an acceptable way of life. The Kenya constitution criminalises homosexual behaviour. 

He warned that any attempt to exhibit, distribute, broadcast or posses the restricted film within the Republic of Kenya shall be met with the full force of the law.