This is not the first time that a Bollywood movie has been banned in Pakistan. In the recent past films like Veere Di Wedding, Raazi and PadMan amongst others had to face the censor board due to their objectionable content.
Joining the list is Rishi Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu-starrer Mulk, which has been banned for release in the country by the Censor Board of Pakistan.
Danyal Gilani, Chairman, Pakistan’s Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC), told IANS via social media, “Members of the CBFC unanimously decided not to approve the trailer of Mulk as its contents flout the Censorship of Film Code, 1980.”
The Anubhav Sinha directorial is a courtroom drama that revolves around restoring the honour of a Muslim family accused of treason. Based on a real life story, Mulk highlights the struggles of this family that belongs to a small town in India.
In response to the ban, the director penned a “letter to Pakistan”, through which he raises a question about why the censors in Pakistan are not letting the citizens watch a film “that talks about co-existence”.
Addressed to the citizens of Pakistan in what he calls a “risk of being called an anti-national by some losers back home”, Sinha’s letter reaches out to film lovers across the border as they will not be able to see the film legally.
“Why is it that they do not want you to see the film that talks about co-existence,” the director questions. “I know, sooner or later, you will have access to the film. Please do watch it and give me your opinion on why did the Pakistan censor board ban the film.”
He added: “I really wanted you all to see this film legally, but do watch it illegally, if you must, though our digital team at home is working hard to stop all piracy.”
Sinha also pointed out that based on the trailer, some people in India thought it was pro-Muslim and people in Pakistan felt it stereotyped Muslims. However, the director maintained that the film is about “love that all of us individuals should have”.
Moreover, the makers of Mulk released a statement in which co-producer Deepak Mukut said, “We are disturbed by this prejudiced verdict and it’s such an irony because our film talks about this very prejudice. We urge the Pakistani Censor Board to reconsider their decision. They will realise how essential it is to the well-being of the human race across the world.”
The film released in India yesterday and features Prateik Babbar, Rajat Kapoor, Ashutosh Rana and Neena Gupta, apart from Rishi Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu. Let’s see if the censor board reconsiders its decision or not.
