No shows for Tere Bin

Tere Bin has not been cleared for screening in Pakistan. PHOTO: AFP

Almost a month after the distributor’s appeal to allow Tere Bin to be exhibited in Pakistan, the censor board has responded with a refusal.

After incessant delays in approving Ali Zafar-starrer Tere Bin, the Central Board of Film Censors has issued a rejection letter to Nadeem H Mandviwalla of Alif Films, distributor of the Bollywood flick in Pakistan.

Responding to the initial rejection of Tere Bin, already approved by the Ministry of Culture, Alif Films on the behalf of Ali Zafar appealed to the central board in July. Defending one of the major objections that the film can disturb security conditions due to its controversial topic, Alif Films wrote, “While the majority of the members felt concerned about the security issue arising from the exhibition of the film there were some members who did not feel likewise. A pertinent and recent case to ponder upon is the release of film My Name is Khan which seriously depicted issues involving the Muslims in the USA after the 9/11 incident.”

Almost a month after its appeal, the censor board maintained its previous stance, though not clearly quoting security reasons behind the ban this time.

The rejection endorses all the previously made objections, “The film in question was examined by the Central Board of Film Censors, Islamabad on July 13, 2010 which found it unsuitable for public exhibition for the reasons that the film is based on a controversial subject depicting the character of Usama Bin Laden in comic way, contains vulgar/objectionable dialogues, abuse and derogatory remarks. Also portrays bad and negative image of law enforcing agencies of the country.”

For the fans of Ali Zafar, the possibility of the much awaited Tere Bin in Pakistani cinemas ceases to exist as the board has refused to issue a censorship certificate to the distributor, and wrote, “The Central Board of Film Censors is pleased to refuse to grant a censorship certificate in respect of the said film.”

Published in The Express Tribune August 12^th, 2010.