Zindagi Tamasha, a film by Sarmad Khoosat has been slapped by a ban by the provincial governments. The film has been facing backlash from ‘certain elements’ since the release of its trailer.
Subsequent to the ban, Punjab government has constituted a committee to review the film again, following the clearance by the sensor board earlier.
Moreover, The SAPM Firdous Ashiq Awan tweeted that government has decided to consult with Council of Islamic Ideology regarding the film Zindagi Tamasha.
Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which seems to be the main culprit behind the much heard resistance against the film, threatened to go out on roads, if the film had allowed to release. After the ban, TLP called off the protest call.
The information division of Punjab government maintained that film is being reviewed again after “persistent complaints received from different quarters”.
Meanwhile, the department did not care to shed some light on those ‘quarters’.
Federal ministry of information and the Central Board of Film Censors has informed the director and producers of the film to halt its release until further notice. The board and ministry would review the film again.
It would always hurt the sentiments of some ‘quarters’, if
focused on the ills of the society.
________
Zindagi Tamasha, which has been written by an aspirant NCA fresh graduate Nirmal Bano, has been receiving a wave of dissent and facing hostility by some religious groups as well from some powerful individuals.
Must Read : Top actors come in support of Sarmad Khoosat after his gripping ‘note’
Sarmad Khoosat directed the film along with her sister Kanwal Khoosat, who co-produced it. Filmmaker, Sarmad Khoosat was himself facing a lot of heat ahead of its scheduled release of 24th of January. Khoosat, who earlier released a touching note and an appealing letter to CJP and PM, is facing death threats since then. He even shared some screen shots on his social media handle.
Following the multiple reviews by sensor board, the film continually seem to be upsetting some people. Now, the government, who seemed baffled by the response now took a clear stance, which is not surprising. TLP, who has a history of blackmailing government once again forced the whole machinery to give in to their demands.
The film may release in the future or not, but the government’s ludicrous role and dubious response to the whole matter is raising questions. Apart from the film industry, which is already struggling, the matter would further demotivate the young film makers. Also, it’s a direct attack on the constitutional rights and freedom of expression itself – not that government much cares about it – but it would set a dangerous precedent in Pakistan.
fanaticism, which has been harming the country, would inspire several elements to go one step further in future. Placing barriers In Front of art like that and so daringly would not send a much better picture of Pakistan out there either.
Moreover, the films, regardless of topic – until it’s a hard core patriotic one for certain ‘quarters’ as well – would always hurt the sentiments of some ‘quarters’, if focused on the ills of the society. Giving in like that, and bending the whole system for those ‘quarters’ is a clear example that how deep the problem is, also, it furthermore defines, that system is set to be doomed.
