"A character is named Abdullah, which is a very sacred name. Throughout the film other characters keep mispronouncing Abdullah's name, calling him all sorts of things like 'arashogollah' and 'amashallah',” a source told IANS.
The source said the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) -- which viewed the film late last week -- asked the film's producers and co-directors Sajid-Farhad to change the name to avoid hurting anyone's sentiments. The character is played by famous comedian Johnny Lever.
In response to the request, the name was changed from 'Abdullah' to 'Habibulllah' in the movie.
Commenting on the matter, Sindh’s censor board chairperson Fakhr-e-Alam said he has asked distributors to either remove all the scenes where the name Abdullah is mentioned or mute the dialogues before the film is shown in Pakistan.
“Abdullah is a very sacred name and it has been used in a derogatory fashion in the movie,” he said.
With Akshay Kumar in the lead role, the film is coming out on August 8 and the director duo had to work overnight to make the necessary change.
"It was a lot of hard work since Johnny's character is there throughout the film and the jokes on his name occur very often. But there was no other option; we can't afford to take the risk of hurting religious sentiments,” said the directors of the movie.
The source added that the CBFC also ordered the removal of a shot showing Kumar throwing a 'trishul' (trident) across the screen. "The CBFC doesn't want any Hindu organisation asking why the trishul was used as a weapon," the source explained. The CBFC also objected to the use of word 'HIV' in a comical dialogue.
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@Ahmed: "Well this comes under the respect for religions that is guaranteed by a SECULAR system. So I think the name should be respected."
Since the name was not assigned to a religious person and was a simple proper noun, this is going overboard. On the other hand, the censor board did allow a song about Radha where it was not the name of a movie character but rather did refer to Radhaji who is revered by Hindus. I do not have a problem with that song. But frankly stating that the name of a fictional character called Abdullah cannot be made fun of is absurd.
@Rahul "I have never heard of Christians naming their babies Jesus"
Actually it is not uncommon among Mexicans. The pronounce it as Hesoos. Since they pronounce J as H.
Half of the South American men are named Jesus
Muslim god is Allah not Abdullah. Why is there a controversy in naming a fictional character Abdullah? The two most common Muslim baby names are Mohammed or Osama. I have never heard of Christians naming their babies Jesus or Hitler.
Hats off to Indian censor board
Respect for all, so it's not about what name it is, it's about which part of human society reveres a name or the people in their culture associated to these names. Increasingly movie writers are unaware of the common man's beliefs and values.
Well this comes under the respect for religions that is guaranteed by a SECULAR system. So I think the name should be respected.
islamic fanaticism at its peak ,just think had this doubt been asked over some hindu name,all would have gone bonkers .
Indian censor board acts "Holier than thou (Muslim Producers, Sajid-Farhad). Funny
It doesn't matter whoever u insult..your faith is your personal choice..let the name remain abdullah.....instead had it been a name of hindu god..nobody would had any problem..Indian Sickulars........
For once I agree with censor board. These film stars,directors be Hindu Muslim are only worshippers of money. They care less which community religious feelings are hurt on way at the expense of their comedy dialogues and money making five hundred crorepati film business.