With 'Aiyaary', Pakistan continues to ban Indian patriotic films
What's the story
Of late, almost every Bollywood film that had a storyline weaved around Indian armed forces, has failed to make it to the theatres in Pakistan. Neeraj Pandey's latest movie 'Aiyaary' is no exception. As the film is set against the backdrop of Indian Army, the neighboring country has refused the screen the Sidharth Malhotra and Manoj Bajpayee starrer. Here's why.
Details
'Aiyaary' is Neeraj's fifth film to be banned in Pakistan
The development may not have come as a surprise for the makers of 'Aiyaary' as it has happened with director Neeraj Pandey before. His previous films such as 'A Wednesday', 'Baby', 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story' and 'Naam Shabana' were also not released in Pakistan. The Pakistani censor board has refrained from green-lighting the films based on the defense strengths of India.
Unfortunate but true
'PadMan' too did not get a release in Pakistan
Though 'PadMan' did not have any connection to the armed forces of India, the Pakistani authorities found the film's subject of menstrual hygiene to be inappropriate. Before that, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer 'Tiger Zinda Hai' also suffered a ban in the neighboring country. In this time and age, it is both unfortunate and incorrect.
Quote
Director R. Balki's reaction on 'PadMan' not releasing in Pakistan
"You can't ban a film like this. If you are banning this film, then you are actually being unfair to women because it's not just because of the movie, it's because of a story of this man's life and what issue it's addressing," Balki said.
Not as impressive
Meanwhile, 'Aiyaary' has opened to mixed reactions
After facing multiple delays in India too, 'Aiyaary' has finally hit the screens today and is getting mixed reviews from critics and audience alike. Apart from Sidharth and Manoj, the film also features Rakul Preet Singh, Pooja Chopra, Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher.