'Ek Tha Tiger' not anti-Pakistan, assures Kabir Khan

In this day and age, it's stupid to make films that are insensitive or derogatory to any country or community, says Kabir. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

MUMBAI: Director Kabir Khan is upset after Ek Tha Tiger promos were banned in Pakistan following allegations that it portrays the neighbouring country’s intelligence agency in a bad light. But he says this is a misconception and that his film is neither insensitive nor derogatory.

“I will say it once more… Ek Tha Tiger is NOT anti Pakistan….In this day and age, it’s stupid to make films that are insensitive or derogatory to any country or community,” Kabir tweeted.

The director, who earlier made Kabul Express on post-Taliban Afghanistan and won critical acclaim for it, says that jingoistic films lead to such situations.

“This is the price we have to pay because unfortunately our industry has made insensitive and jingoistic films in the past,” he wrote.

According to reports, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the country`s media regulatory watchdog, has directed cable operators and satellite TV channels to refrain from airing promos/reviews of the movie till it is issued a no-objection certificate by the Central Board of Film Censors of Pakistan.

PEMRA alleges that the film shows the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI in a bad light.

Produced by Yash Raj Films, Ek Tha Tiger features Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif and is coming out August  15.

Kabir Khan is confident that the film will be released in Pakistan.

“I am absolutely sure that once the censor board of Pakistan sees Ek Tha Tiger, they will be more than happy to show the film in Pakistan,” he posted.

“I can assure the millions of fans of Salman in Pakistan that Ek Tha Tiger will release in theatres in their country,” he added.