CBFC Clears ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ Without Cuts, Film to Release in India on June 19

The Oscar-nominated film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" , which chronicles the tragic story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed during the Israel-Gaza war , is finally headed to Indian cinemas after receiving certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) . The film, which had been awaiting clearance since March, is now scheduled for theatrical release on June 19, 2026 .

Directed by acclaimed Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania , the film was nominated in the Best International Film category at the 98th Academy Awards and has drawn global attention for its portrayal of one of the most haunting civilian stories to emerge from the Gaza conflict. According to distributor Manoj Nandwana of Jai Viratra Entertainment Limited , the CBFC approved the film without any cuts, allowing Indian audiences to view the work in its original form.

Nandwana welcomed the decision, describing cinema as a powerful medium for storytelling and dialogue. He said the film reflects the human cost of conflict and expressed hope that it would encourage empathy and meaningful conversations among viewers. The movie will also be released across Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

At the centre of the film is Hind Rajab , a five-year-old Palestinian girl who became a symbol of civilian suffering during the war. In January 2024, Hind was fleeing Gaza City with her family when their vehicle came under fire. Her relatives were killed, while the child remained trapped inside the car. During a desperate call with emergency operators from the Palestinian Red Crescent , Hind pleaded to be rescued. Her voice recordings later spread across the world, sparking outrage and drawing attention to the humanitarian toll of the conflict.

Ben Hania has revealed that hearing those recordings on social media compelled her to abandon another project and make the film instead. To preserve authenticity, the director used Hind's actual voice recordings while actors portrayed real-life Red Crescent personnel.

Beyond recounting a single tragedy, "The Voice of Hind Rajab" underscores cinema's growing role in documenting contemporary conflicts. By transforming personal stories into lasting historical records, films such as this help preserve the experiences of civilians caught in war, ensuring that their voices continue to be heard long after the headlines fade.