Akshay Kumar’s Khel Khel Mein faces censor cuts in UAE, key Fardeen Khan scenes chopped: ‘Felt cheated’

Khel Khel Mein dictor Mudassir Aziz and actor Fardeen Khan have reacted to the film being censored in UAE.

Mumbai | August 20, 2024 02:38 PM IST

2 min read

Akshay Kumar- Fardeen Khan- Khel Khel Mein

Khel Khel Mein released in cinemas on August 15. (Photo: Fardeen Khan/ Instagram)

Reports of Akshay Kumar’s Khel Khel Mein being censored in UAE have been making the rounds. According to reports, fans have complained that the edits, catering to censorship laws in the Middle East, changes the narrative of actor Fardeen Khan’s character.

According to a Mid Day report, the censored version of Khel Khel Mein in UAE has altered the sexuality of Fardeen Khan’s character. Several key scenes in the film have also been removed. Reacting to the edit, the film’s director Mudassir Aziz expressed his disappointment and told the publication, “This edit changes the narrative of Fardeen’s character. It’s disheartening to see such an important moment erased. I felt cheated when I found out from Indian cine-goers about this.”

“I’m a filmmaker. To write all sorts of characters and raise topics of conversation is my professional and moral duty. While it’s heartbreaking to see that something so relevant…found its way out of the UAE release, I’m thrilled at the applause that [the rest] of the world is sending my way for those very scenes,” he added.

Also read | Khel Khel Mein movie review: Akshay Kumar exhibits flair in no-holds-barred comedy

Khel Khel Mein marks Fardeen Khan’s big screen comeback after fourteen years. Reacting to key scenes of his character being edited, Fardeen said, “Through this role, I hoped to contribute to a conversation that is necessary and relevant. While edits may have been made, the intention behind the role of acceptance remains unchanged, and I stand by the message’s importance.”

Khel Khel Mein stars Akshay Kumar in the lead with Fardeen Khan, Vaani Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu, Ammy Virk completing the film’s stellar ensemble. The film was released in cinemas on August 15 along with Stree 2 and Vedaa. Khel Khel Mein’s performance at the box office has been underwhelming as it is yet to cross the Rs 20 crore mark even after five days in theatres.

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