8 Hollywood films banned in India. Here’s where you can watch them

While India has embraced a wide array of international films, certain Hollywood titles have faced bans due to their controversial themes, graphic content, or cultural sensitivities. Interestingly, many of these banned films are accessible on various OTT platforms, allowing viewers to explore them at their discretion. Here's a deep dive into eight such Hollywood films:

1. Dirty Grandpa

Directed by Steven Spielberg, this raunchy comedy starring Robert De Niro and Zac Efron was banned in India for its vulgar humour and explicit content, which were deemed inappropriate by the censor board. The movie revolves around a strict grandson who gets dragged into a wild spring break adventure by his unpredictable grandfather. The movie was produced by BillBlock Media Josephson Entertainment QED International and is available on YouTube for you to watch.

2. Fifty Shades of Grey

Infamous its explicit sexual content, the censor board refused to release this movie in India, even after heavy cuts. An adaptation of the popular novel, the story explores the complex relationship between a young woman and a wealthy businessman with unique sexual desires. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and starring Dakota Johnson as Ana and Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey, the film has two sequels, ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ and ‘Fifty Shades Freed’. They're streaming on Netflix, JioHotstar (formerly known as JioCinema) and Zee5 in India.

3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

This 2011 film directed by David Fincher was banned for graphic depictions of sexual assault and violence, which were deemed unsuitable for Indian audiences. This thriller follows an investigative journalist and a computer hacker as they uncover deep-seated corruption. It was produced by Columbia Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Scott Rudin Productions, and Yellow Bird and can be watched in India on Amazon Prime Video and Zee5.

4. The Da Vinci Code

One of the most popular movies directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, this 2006 film was protested by religious groups because of its depiction of anti-Christian beliefs, leading to its restriction in some parts of India, including including Punjab, Goa, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Based on Dan Brown's best-seller, this mystery follows the journey to uncover secrets hidden within famous religious symbols and art. It’s streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Zee5.

5. Get Hard

Get Hard is a 2015 American crime comedy film directed by Etan Cohen (in his directorial debut). This comedy (produced by Gary Sanchez Productions RatPac-Dune Entertainment), filled with adult humour and controversial stereotypes, did not meet the Indian censor board's standards. The film chronicles a wealthy banker preparing for prison with the help of a man he assumes has criminal experience. Stream it on JioHotstar (formerly known as JioCinema).

6. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

The film which released in the US in 1984 faced backlash for its stereotypical portrayal of Indian culture and depictions of rituals, leading to its initial ban. This action-packed adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg featured Indian actors Amrish Puri and Roshan Seth. Produced by Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Pictures, it’s available on Apple TV and JioHotstar (formerly known as Disney+ Hotstar).

7. I Spit on Your Grave

This revenge-themed movie directed by Meir Zarchi was banned due to its graphic sexual violence and disturbing content. It is based on the real life story of a rape victim Zarchi encountered in New York and how she sought revenge on her rapists. The movie belonged to the production house Cinemagic Pictures. This unsettling yet intense thriller is available on YouTube.

8. Blue Jasmine

The story of this Oscar nominated film delves into the unraveling life of a socialite struggling to rebuild herself after her marriage falls apart. Director Woody Allen's refusal to include an anti-smoking disclaimer led to this movie's ban in India. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video. It was produced by Perdido Productions and Gravier Productions.

Image courtesy:

BillBlock Media Josephson Entertainment QED International - Dirty Grandpa

Focus Features, Michael De Luca Productions, and Trigger Street Productions and Universal Pictures - Fifty Shades of Grey

Columbia Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Scott Rudin Productions, and Yellow Bird - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Columbia Pictures, Imagine Entertainment, and Skylark Productions - The Da Vinci Code

Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Pictures - Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom