Life & Style

Resham's Swaarangi banned by Pakistan's central censor board

The film was initially scheduled to be released on August 28 but was later pushed to September 11

Rafay Mahmood August 28, 2015

The film was initially scheduled to be released on August 28 but was later pushed to September 11.

KARACHI: Pakistani film Swaarangi which was all set to release on September 11 has been banned by Pakistan's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

“A panel decided that the film can't be screened in its present form for public viewing,” Chariman CBFC, Mobashir Hasan told The Express Tribune.

Based on real life events, Swaaraangi has been directed by Fida Hussain and shot in distant locations near Kalabagh, Punjab. The storyline highlights the plight of drug addicts in Pakistan.

Read: Hiatus due to below-par films: Resham

While the CBFC chairman did not go into details, rumour has it that the Resham-starrer has been banned for representing an 'inappropriate' image of Pakistan. However, none of the CBFC officials could confirm this.

The decision was made by a panel of the CBFC and later a full-board meeting was called to reconsider the decision in the presence of an extended 11-member panel.

All cinemas in the Islamabad Capital Territory and cantonments around the country fall within the CBFC's ambit. Cinemas in other parts of Pakistan will receive certification orders from their respective provincial censor boards.

Read: Swaarangi delayed to September 11

Besides Resham, the film stars Ayub Khosa, Naveed Akbar, Waseem Manzoor, Hamza Mushtaq and Shahzaib Johar.

It was initially slated to release on August 28, but was later pushed to September 11.

"With a limited number of screens in the country, and the high number of local releases, it would have been very difficult to accommodate Swaarangi in theaters on its initial release date," a press release issued earlier had stated.

COMMENTS (9)

Waqas | 9 years ago | Reply It was a pleasure to hear about Swarangi which addressed issues in our society. With "exotic" topic and quality performances of high profile actors and the usage of modern technology with extra ordinary courage to take on such issues into consideration, all one could have expected was just to let this piece of art float on Pakistani & International cinema screen to show the global social issue of drug addiction consequences to all and sundry wishing to watch it. Censor board should help local production to fly high and let world know that Made in Pakistan is not far behind than others. Hope to watch it in Europe soon too!

SNCIKS | 9 years ago | Reply I worked on this quite marvelous film and it tells a beautiful story of one woman's plight against the odds to bring her children home against quite remarkable and dire circumstances - it is simply a story that must be told as it highlights issues that plagues not just Pakistan, but the world at far - they are issues that once brought to the masses, people are thus in a better, well informed and educated position to help prevent such a human tragedy. 'Swaraangi' (Where Embers Fly) is simple a wonderful, wonderful film fit for the world's stage - it has brilliant performances, exquisite cinematography and a story that belongs to the world - it is mesmerizing cinema that doesn't defame a community but will allow the world to see it's strengths. I know this film has a big future out there in the world - it is just really, really sad that a Pakistani won't be able to walk out of a cinema on their home turf and say - well, look at us making waves for all the right reasons.

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shahzad | 9 years ago | Reply May be they did not open their eyes during preview due to absence of Item songs & vulgarity.

javed | 9 years ago | Reply A very powerful part of foreign controlled media, mostly controlled by RAW have launched world wide campaign to defame, humiliate, abuse the Muslims in general and Pakistan in special. Our culture, customs, values, belief, religion, our history are being spoiled through media power. TV programs, TV serials, TV shows, films are being used as tool. On the contrary no such stuff is allowed in India or other parts of the World so why we allow it in Pakistan. Most of the part of Cable operators are also involved in Anti National activities. They have pushed back the state owned channel PTV in last numbers and all Indians, Indian sponsored channels and nude CD channels are positioned at start. This evil is spread during Zardari and Musharraf Regime. Imran Khan is also supporting obscenity in our society. State of Pakistan should take serious notice of all such invasion on our society especially our Youth.

Bilal | 9 years ago | Reply What a shame! After playing Ban-Ban with foreign movies now THEY have extended this game to our local movies as well to hide our very own stories from ourselves. Lets march out of cantonment areas and watch it in city area theatres and give THEM a message ( isloos' can watch it in rwp)

Curious | 9 years ago | Reply This film has become a must watch now, considering the fact that they don't want us to see it.

lol | 9 years ago | Reply When will Pakistan realise that it isn't 1950s anymore!

Ahmed | 9 years ago | Reply Dear censor boards, please keep your subjective opinions to yourself, I would rather watch a movie which reflects reality than a censored one.

Anon | 9 years ago | Reply "Banned for representing an ‘inappropriate’ image of Pakistan"? Why? Because the film depicts the raw truth about something happening in our society? It would be better if CBFC reconsiders its decision. Expression cannot be snuffed out like this, especially when it raises awareness about the ills in our society.

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