'Churails' has been 'shut down' in Pakistan, claims director Asim Abbasi

The show has become inaccessible for viewing in the country

Director Asim Abbasi in a recent Twitter thread has expressed his frustration with increased censorship in the country. Abbasi's rant came after his critically acclaimed series Churails became inaccessible for Pakistani audience. 

"How strange for Churails to be lauded internationally, and now be shut down in its country of origin. In the very country where hundreds of artists came together to create something that could initiate dialogue and open doors for new narratives," he said.

How strange for #Churails to be lauded internationally, and now be shut down in its country of origin. In the very country where hundreds of artists came together to create something that could initiate dialogue and open doors for new narratives. (1)

— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) October 7, 2020

Adding on Abbasi went on to deem his series being not available for viewing in the country as a "loss for women and marginalised communities".

"Artistic freedom squashed because it is wrongly perceived by some as a moral threat. Predictable, and yet, still disappointing. For this is not just my loss. This is a loss for women and marginalised communities that this show meant to re-represent," he said.

Artistic freedom squashed because it is wrongly perceived by some as a moral threat. Predictable, and yet, still disappointing. For this is not just my loss. This is a loss for women and marginalised communities that this show meant to re-represent. (2)

— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) October 7, 2020

The director concluded the thread by expressing hopelessness with the entire scenario. 

"This is a loss for all actors, writers, directors and technicians across Pakistan, who were hoping for digital/OTT to be their saviour. And it's a home-run for all the misogynists who have once again proven that they are the only voice that matters," he said. 

This is a loss for all actors, writers, directors and technicians across Pakistan, who were hoping for digital/OTT to be their saviour. And it's a home-run for all the misogynists who have once again proven that they are the only voice that matters. (3)

— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) October 7, 2020

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