Is Rishi Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu-starrer 'Mulk' banned in Pakistan?

While the CBFC banned the trailer of 'pro-Muslim' Bollywood project, the film is yet to be submitted for review

KARACHI: Rishi Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu's upcoming film Mulk has been "banned" in Pakistan, according to Bollywood film-makers who remain upset over the "prejudiced verdict." Meanwhile, director Anubhav Sinha urged the Pakistani audience to "watch the film illegally, if you must."

However, while talking to The Express Tribune, Sindh Board of Film Censor General Secretary Razzaq Khuhawar revealed the film hasn't been submitted to them or to the Central Censor Board. He is doubtful the film has even been picked up by a distributor yet.

PHOTO: INDIA TODAY

According to a Distribution Club member, the "pro-Muslim" Bollywood film hasn't been handed over to them either. Despite these reports, the makers of Mulk issued a statement on Thursday evening stating that the Federal Censor Board of Pakistan has banned the film, based on a courtroom drama around restoring the honour of a Muslim family accused of treason.

Meanwhile, Danyal Gilani, Chairman Pakistan Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) told The Express Tribune that while the trailer of Mulk was banned in the country, the film is yet to be submitted to the board for review. However, they unanimously decided to ban the trailer.  "Members of the CBFC unanimously decided not to approve the trailer of Mulk as its contents flout the Censorship of Film Code 1980," mentioned Gilani.

PHOTO: RISHI KAPOOR/TWITTER

While CBFC is currently awaiting for a request to distribute Mulk in Pakistan, Sinha has urged people to watch the movie illegally, if it is banned. "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 wrote in an open letter.

He also pointed out that while some Indians felt the trailer was pro-Muslim, Pakistanis thought it stereotyped Muslims.

Sinha has maintained the film is about "love that all of us individuals should have". The letter read, "You have Hindus as a minority in your country and we have Muslims as a minority in ours. We all must work towards co-existing in peace and harmony."

Bollywood's other releases for Friday- Karwaan and Fanney Khan-have been cleared for release in Pakistan.



Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.