Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Mobasher Hasan, shared that the information ministry had initially approached them for comments regarding the film.
Advertisement
While no official word has been given on the reason behind the ban, media reports suggests authorities in Pakistan objected to film showing the country in poor light.
Sonam Kapoor-starrer “Neerja”, a film based on real life incidents during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 at the Karachi airport in 1986, has been banned in Pakistan for allegedly showing the neighbouring country in a poor light, trade sources in Islamabad said.
IMGC Executive Director Abid Rasheed admitted that there were certain anti-Pakistan elements in Neerja and it showed Muslims in a negative light. As the information ministry has already notified Pemra and cinema owners against screening the film, failure to comply may result in punishment in the form of heavy fines, cinema shutdowns or even imprisonment. As the official confirmation is still awaited, “Neerja” could be the latest banned film added to this list.
Pakistan had earlier also banned Bollywood flicks such as Ek Tha Tiger, Haider and Phantom. Helmed by Ram Madhvani, the movie also stars Shabana Azmi and Shekhar Ravjiani in pivotal roles.
Advertisement
Sonam Kapoor may be gearing up for her film “Neerja” but the actress has recently owned up that she plans to turn director at some point.
