'The Voice of Hind Rajab': CBFC Clears Oscar-Nominated Film For India Release With No Cuts

Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania's Oscar-nominated film The Voice of Hind Rajab will release theatrically in India on June 19, three months after the film was reportedly blocked by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

A moving drama that blends fiction and documentary, The Voice of Hind Rajab tells the story of a Red Crescent response team as they receive a call from Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl in distress, moments before she is killed by soldiers of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). The film uses a real audio recording of Hind Rajab, intercutting it with staged performances. A Tunisian-French co-production, the film was submitted to the 2026 Oscars for Best International Feature Film from Tunisia, but did not win.

In March, the film's India distributor, Manoj Nandwana, revealed to the press that the film had been denied certification from the CBFC, fearing a breakdown of diplomatic ties between India and Israel.

However, the censor board has now cleared the film for a theatrical release in India with no cuts, granting it an 'A' certificate.

"We would like to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), India, for granting certification without any cut to The Voice of Hind Rajab and enabling Indian audiences to engage with this important cinematic work," Nandwana was quoted as saying in a media release.

"At Jai Viratra Entertainment Limited, we firmly believe that cinema serves as a powerful medium for storytelling, dialogue, and understanding diverse human experiences. We appreciate the thoughtful consideration extended by the CBC in evaluating the film and facilitating its release in India," Nandwana added in his statement, as quoted by PTI.

The cast of The Voice of Hind Rajab includes Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Amer Hlehel and Clara Khoury. The film is produced by Nadim Cheikhrouha, Odessa Rae and James Wilson.