8 Hollywood films banned in India but available on OTT

(Images via X)

Hollywood films mostly have a hard time releasing in the Indian subcontinent due to it’s (sometimes) provocative themes and explicit content. The Indian film censor board, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), is a stern body of minds. They are the people responsible behind the films you see in your movie theatres. Whether they’re allowed to release whether the film is appropriate, it’s usually all in their hands.

Here is a list of Hollywood films that made a name for themselves in foreign markets but never got a chance to reach the Indian domain (officially), but to our luck are available on OTT platforms for you to catch up on.

1. Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)

Ana, a college student, embarks on a passionate relationship with business magnate Christian after interviewing him. Due to its explicit content, the movie was banned by India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and never made it to Indian cinemas. This film, starring Dakota Johnson as Ana and Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey, has two sequels: "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed."

It is currently available for streaming on Netflix, JioCinema, and Zee5.

2. The Da Vinci Code (2006)

In "The Da Vinci Code," symbologist Robert Langdon unravels a bizarre murder mystery that takes him from Paris to London. Directed by Ron Howard in 2006, the film faced backlash for its perceived anti-Christian themes and was banned in several Indian states, including Punjab, Goa, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

Despite this, the movie is accessible on Netflix, Zee5, and Prime Video.

3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

A journalist enlists a computer hacker to solve a 40-year-old case of a missing woman in a 2011 film directed by David Fincher. Due to the CBFC's demand to cut certain scenes and the director's refusal, the movie wasn't released in Indian theaters.

It is now streaming on Zee5 and Prime Video.

4. Dirty Grandpa (2016)

One of Robert De Niro’s most un-De Niro film follows the story of a US military veteran who takes his grandson Jason to Florida, leading to a series of unexpected misadventures. The Indian censor board banned this sex comedy from theaters,

but it is now available on Netflix.

5. Blue Jasmine (2013)

Woody Allen's Oscar-nominated film faced a ban in India because the director refused to include a mandatory anti-smoking disclaimer in scenes featuring smoking. The 2016 drama follows a woman with a failed marriage who moves to her sister's place in San Francisco, delving deeper into her life.

"Blue Jasmine" is currently streaming on Prime Video.

6. I Spit on Your Grave (2010)

"I Spit On Your Grave," directed by Meir Zarchi, contains graphic and sexually violent scenes. Inspired by a real-life incident where Zarchi encountered a rape victim in New York, the film was banned in India and several other countries, including the UK, Canada, China, and Australia. It is not available for streaming online.

But there are other ways (I can’t be on the record.)

7. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

"Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," released in the US in 1984, faced a ban in India due to a scene depicting a ritualistic human sacrifice. The Indian Censor Board deemed it a negative stereotype, leading to its ban. The film features Indian actors Amrish Puri and Roshan Seth.

Available on Disney+ Hotstar.

8. Magic Mike XXL (2015)

"Magic Mike XXL" follows a retired male stripper who travels to Myrtle Beach with friends for a stripper convention, revisiting memories from his past. Despite multiple screenings and mixed responses from the CBFC, the film was ultimately not released in Indian theaters.

It is now streaming on JioCinema.

9. Monkey Man (2024)

Dev Patel’s fierce-some directorial debut made waves in the film industry for its unique and strong plot line. But unfortunately the Sobhita Dhulipala, Sikandar Kher, and the Vipin Sharma co-starrer, failed to get approved by the CBFC for reasons that are being argued about till date. It was slated to hit the Peacock streaming service on Jio cinemas on June 14, but it hasn’t yet. Keep your hopes up!

Until then the film is available to rent and buy on  Amazon, Apple, and Vudu.