Homosexuality may not be considered as much of a taboo as it was a couple of decades back. And yet, in many parts of the world, the idea is frowned up by the conservatives in society. The Indian society is still hesitant to open its arms to embrace same-sex romance. The Gulf countries are far more stringent, as they don't even allow movies that deal with homosexual themes to release in there. Is this the reason why Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga has not been released this week in the Gulf? Box Office Predication: Will Sonam Kapoor Starrer Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga Be the Sleeper Hit of This Year?

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga had found a worldwide release on February 1. However, the movie has not been able to find screens in the Gulf, including the comparatively progressive United Arab Emirates (UAE). This would have been surprising since the movie has popular stars in the cast like Anil Kapoor, Sonam K Ahuja and Rajkummar Rao.

As per a report in Khaleej Times, Vox Cinemas, one of the biggest theatre chains in the area, has confirmed to them that they won't be screening the film there. However, they did not divulge the reason. The publication also revealed that both Sonam's manager and Fox Star Studios, who are backing the film, are silent over this. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga Movie Review: Anil Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao Pitch in Heart-Warming Performances in Sonam Kapoor’s Unusual Love Story.

Even though the reason is not explicit, there is very little to doubt that the movie's lesbian theme is why Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga is not releasing there. The Censor Board in the Gulf looks down on such themes, as they feel it is against Islam. Earlier Ang Lee's highly acclaimed Brokeback Mountain also didn't find a release there. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga is directed by Shelly Chopra Dhar and is produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 01, 2019 03:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).