Is the fate of Dangal now in the hands of PM Nawaz?

According to sources, final decision on the movie will only be taken after PM returns from his Bosnia tour

LAHORE: The self-imposed ban on Indian films may have been revoked a few days back but the fate of Aamir Khan’s upcoming mega blockbuster Dangal still remains uncertain. According to sources, the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, in association with the Ministry of Commerce, has sent an official summary to PM Nawaz, seeking his permission to release the film in Pakistan.

However, nothing has come of it as yet, since the PM is currently on tour in Bosnia. Dangal released worldwide on December 23 and sources also revealed that Geo films, the local distributors of the film are in direct correspondence with Khan, who also happens to be the producer of the film, to make it possible.



“An official summary has been sent to the PM Secretariat in relation to Dangal but to no avail. Only once the PM is back can there be any development in the matter,” explained a source at the Ministry of Information, seeking anonymity.

A senior member of the Film Exhibitors Association of Pakistan confirmed the news to The Express Tribune, saying that they, too, are awaiting the PM’s response. “We have been suffering grave financial issues due to the ban. We have started releasing old Indian films to make up for the losses but our survival now depends on the PM,” said the source. “Even Indian artists want their films to be screened here but the local distributors are hesitant to purchase new films before the government gives it a green light.”

When approached for a comment on the matter, Jamil Baltu PRO to Information Minister said that he is not aware of any such summary or developments. If the ball is indeed in the Pakistani government’s court than the self-imposed ban by cinema owners has proven to be rather superficial.



Zoraiz Lashari, chairman of the association, remains hopeful about the release of Indian films in the near future. However, he has his doubts with regards to Dangal in particular. “I want to make it clear that there is no ban on Indian films in Pakistan as no official notification was issued by the government,” he stated.

His sentiments are echoed by local distribution companies which are pinning their hopes on films that are slated to release after Dangal. “Distributors purchase Indian content for business but due to the delay, they don’t want to go forth either. After paying Rs80 million to Indian distributors, the buying group must earn Rs200 million as they also have to pay off some amount to the cinemas and of course, make a profit,” explained a senior official of a leading distribution company. “Due to the delay now, they will not be able to earn Rs200 million.”



On the other hand, representative of Geo Films, the local distributor of Dangal has denied Indian media’s claim of the film not releasing in Pakistan at all.  “That is false news. Yes there are hurdles that we are facing in releasing the film in Pakistan but we haven’t lost hope yet. The film might get delayed by a week or so but no final decision has been taken as yet,” said Mohammad Nasir of Geo films.