Movies that caused controversy in Pakistan

The Pakistani censorship board is very particular in allowing certain movies to be screened in Pakistan. The censorship board goes a long way in determining if the movies are not sexually explicit, contain strong language or defame Islam or Pakistan in even the slightest manner. Here’s a list of such movies that were banned at one time from Pakistan or released under different titles or censored versions, due to their respective reasons:-

1. Tere Bin Laden

Pakistan’s very own Ali Zafar starred in this Bollywood comedy. The film and Ali Zafar’s acting in particular, were well received by the Indian film industry. However, Pakistani authorities thought the movie would serve to invite terrorists to hatch plots and conduct attacks in Pakistan.

2. Ek Tha Tiger

This Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif movie was also not allowed to release in Pakistan. In the film, Salman plays a RAW agent whereas Katrina plays an ISI agent. The content was termed as ‘problematic’ and it was thought that Pakistan’s image was maligned in the movie.

3. The Dirty Picture

The Dirty Picture raised a lot of eyebrows for its bold content and sexual scenes. Initially banned in Pakistan, the film performed strongly in India and won Vidya Balan numerous awards, accolades and laurels. Later it was released in Pakistan after much of the scenes were cut from the film.

4. Noah

This Hollywood film with an ensemble cast which included Russell Crowe, Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly and Ray Winstone, was also not allowed to be screened in Pakistan. The movie was dismissed and not allowed to be released due to the portrayal of Prophet Noah by Russell Crowe. Worldwide, the film grossed an impressive $362 million.

5. Chennai Express

Chennai Express was also not allowed to be displayed, only during the Eid season. This was due to that fact that four prominent Pakistani movies namely Waar, Main Hoon Shahid Afridi and Josh were also released during this time. Naturally, the Pakistani movies were preferred.

6. Lahore

Sanjay Puran’s film Lahore, was the story of two countries, India and Pakistan uniting under the sport of kickboxing. The movie was banned due to some dialogues and scenes which were considered objectionable by the Pakistani side.

7. Khiladi 786

Akshay Kumar’s comedy film was banned as the number 786 holds special reverence and respect for Muslims around the world. The film was later released under a new title as the Pakistani censor board felt that Khiladi 786 would prove to be injurious to Muslims sentiments.

8. Ranjhanaa

Sonam Kapoor’s portrayal of a Muslim girl who got swept off her feet by a Hindu boy in the film, raised objections from the Pakistan censorship board. It was felt that the character of a Muslim girl was not appropriately represented but maligned in the movie.

9. Agent Vinod

This film had a ban coming its way since the very first day. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s spy thriller flick portrayed ISI as in cohorts with the Taliban and harboring anti-Indian sentiments. As predicted, the film got slapped with a ban.

10. The Da Vinci Code

This Tom Hanks movie, based on the novel of the same name, was also not allowed to be screened in Pakistan. The film was protested by the Christian community in Pakistan and was blamed on account of being blasphemous.

11. Baby

Akshay Kumar’s Baby was also banned in Pakistan. Surprisingly, this film featured three Pakistani actors in prominent roles.

12. Haider

Haider was a promising film by Shahid Kapoor and did well on the charts. However, given the sensitive topic of the film regarding Kashmir, it was no wonder the film was banned from Pakistan.