Sarmad Khoosat's Zindagi Tamasha (Circus of Life) is garnering immense praise on Twitter since dropping on YouTube yesterday. The film had faced several hurdles on its journey to the audience, but its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking themes have struck a chord with viewers.
Originally slated for a theatrical release in Pakistan on March 18, 2022, Zindagi Tamasha faced unexpected challenges. The controversy stemmed from the film's sensitive portrayal of certain themes and characters, resulting in its cinematic release being put on hold indefinitely. Now, tweeps and fans of the film are trying to wrap their heads around the problem that led to its recurrent cancellation. On the contrary, many are calling it the "most real" Pakistani film ever made.
One Twitter user expressed their bewilderment, saying, "Watched Zindagi Tamasha, a film banned in Pakistan. The film truly depicts the religious-hypocritic standards of the typical Pakistani urban society. Wondering what the hell made the justification to ban the film?"
Watched #ZindagiTamasha, a film banned in Pakistan. The film truly depicts the religious-hypocritic standards of the typical Pakistani urban society. Wondering what the hell made the justification to ban the film? pic.twitter.com/R0lMcBDJZg
— Majid Khan Momand (@Majid_Momand) July 29, 2023
Another viewer praised the film's content and Sarmad Khoosat's filmmaking prowess, stating, "Halfway into Zindagi Tamasha, and the constant heartache I'm feeling is just beyond... I knew it, Sarmad Khoosat productions never disappoint in terms of content, quality, and production. Watched his Manto and I'm his fan for life since."
Half way into Zindagi Tamasha and the constant heart ache I'm feeling is just beyond.....
— Surreal (@saryal_says) August 4, 2023
I knew it, Sarmad khosat production never disappoint in terms of Content, quality and production.
Watched his Manto and I'm his fan for life since.#ZindagiTamasha pic.twitter.com/LRStN4vjei
Many Twitter users were intrigued by the controversies surrounding the film and expressed their appreciation for its thought-provoking nature. One tweet read, "Why there was all the fuss and controversy around it? I just watched Zindagi Tamasha, and truly it's thought-provoking and heart-touching watch. It's a journey of a man who lives a simple life, and one harmless interest of his triggers the 'perfect' maulvis (clerics) of our society."
why there was all the fuss and the controversy around it? I just watched zindagi tamasha and truly it’s thought provoking and heart touching watch. it’s a journey of a man who lives a simple life and one harmless interest of his triggers the “perfect” maulvis of our society. pic.twitter.com/WXat9HT2na
— desiburgerbacha (@shortiekiddo28) August 4, 2023
The film's ability to shed light on the social and cultural complexities of Pakistani society drew admiration from the viewers. Another Twitter user remarked, "I just finished watching Zindagi Tamasha, what a brilliant film. How subtly it exposed the culture of our 'Muslim' country where having a facade of being a true Muslim is more important and respected than actually being a true Muslim."
I just finished watching Zindagi Tamasha, what a brilliant film. How subtly it exposed the culture of our 'muslim' country where having a facade of being a true muslim is more important and respected than ACTUALLY being a true muslim. #ZindagiTamasha
— Maahnoor Khan (@khan_maahnoor) August 4, 2023
Many praised Sarmad Khoosat's courage in tackling sensitive subjects, despite facing opposition. One tweet expressed, "Absolutely stunned by Zindagi Tamasha. If the right-wing campaign against the film horrified you, it will leave you heartbroken by the time the film is over."
absolutely stunned by Zindagi Tamasha. if the rightwing campaign against the film horrified you, it will leave you heartbroken by the time the film is over.
— Saba Imtiaz (@SabaImtiaz) August 4, 2023
Zindagi Tamasha's journey is a testament to the power of storytelling in challenging times and the importance of artists who dare to speak the truth, even in the face of adversity.
we’re so lucky to see sarmad khoosat’s art and have a filmmaker like him who highlights controversial yet harsh reality of our society. just started watching zindagi tamasha and I just want to say what a loss. this movie deserved a cinematic release. pic.twitter.com/sQQNSQneuJ
— desiburgerbacha (@shortiekiddo28) August 4, 2023
In 2019, the movie premiered at the 24th International Busan Film Festival, leaving a significant mark on the audience and critics alike. It went on to win awards at Busan and the 2021 Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles, further solidifying its reputation as a compelling piece of cinema.
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