'Delhi Belly' denied public exhibition license in Pakistan

Delhi Belly was due to be released in theatres on July 1st.

KARACHI: Just days before its grand premiere, Indian feature film ‘Delhi Belly’ failed in obtaining clearance from the censor board for public exhibition.

Atrium cinema, which has become the go-to theatre in Karachi, had already started the marketing campaign, announcing that the movie would be screened for public on July 1^st, a 10 day advance notice to cinegoers.

However, on Wednesday evening Atrium Cinema posted a statement on its facebook page saying the Central Board of Film Censors in Islamabad had not passed the film for public exhibition, barring its public exhibition across cinemas in Pakistan.

Pakistani cinemas had been dying a slow death before new life was injected by lifting a ban on screening Indian films. This brought audiences back to theatres, prompting massive investment in cinemas like Atrium which has 3D capability.

Censor Board officials could not be immediately reached for comment.