Ashir Azeem’s film, Maalik, saw a ban and a lifting of a ban, all in one day, on Tuesday.
A notification was issued by the the Sindh Board of Film Censor, stating that Maalik will not be allowed to exhibit in cinemas in Sindh for three months, under the Sindh Motion Pictures Act 2011. The reason for banning the film was that they had used the word “CM” during the oath-taking ceremony.
Later in the day, the Sindh Board of Film Censor issued another notice lifting the ‘suspension’ of the film “with immediate effect”.
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| Maalik Movie Unofficial Cover |
The director, writer and producer of the film, Ashir Azeem, while speaking to ARY News, said that he received a phone call from the Censor Board asking him to replace the word chief minister or CM with a “beep” in the entire flick. He further added that the film was being screened across Pakistan and no other province had expressed displeasure on using the word "CM" openly throughout the film.
The audience seems to be in a divide over Maalik. While some feel Ashir Azeem's film instills patriotism and is thought-provoking; others are of the view that it strengthens ethnic stereotyping (Sindhis are corrupt, Punjabis rule army, etc.). It is better that you watch the film and form your own opinion instead of relying on others.
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