Govt bans screening of film 'Maalik' across Pakistan

[WebGuru]

KARACHI: The federal government on Wednesday declared 'uncertified' the recently released feature film "Maalik", effectively placing a ban on screening of the movie anywhere in Pakistan.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 9 of the motion Pictures Ordinance, 1979, the federal Government is pleased to declare Urdu feature "Maalik" in respect of which a Censor Certificate No.54/M-I/2016 has earlier been granted, as uncertified film in the whole of Pakistan with immediate effect,” said a notification from the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage.

The notification was issued by the Ministry's Information and Broadcasting division and signed by deputy Secretary Muhammad Rafiq.

The development comes a day after the Sindh government objected to the screening of the film, temporarily placing a ban on its screening in the province before removing the restriction.

Source: https://www.geo.tv/latest/104733-Govt-bans-screening-of-film-Maalik-across-Pakistan

 

[WebGuru]

Just saw the trailer of movie and it looks like a movie showing true face of our politics and corruption so i am not sure if it is one of the reason the movie is banned or there is something else?

 

[#GreenRoars]

KARACHI: The federal government on Wednesday declared 'uncertified' the recently released feature film "Maalik", effectively placing a ban on screening of the movie anywhere in Pakistan.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 9 of the motion Pictures Ordinance, 1979, the federal Government is pleased to declare Urdu feature "Maalik" in respect of which a Censor Certificate No.54/M-I/2016 has earlier been granted, as uncertified film in the whole of Pakistan with immediate effect,” said a notification from the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage.

The notification, issued by the Ministry's Information and Broadcasting division and signed by Deputy Secretary Muhammad Rafiq, did not state any reason for the ban.

The development comes a day after the Sindh government objected to the screening of the film, with the Sindh Censor Board on Tuesday temporarily placing a ban on its screening in the province only to remove the restriction hours later.

Directed by Ashir Azeem, the writer of the popular 1994 PTV thriller Dhuwan, 'Maalik' received support as well as opposition from critics and audiences for its overwhelming and controversial way of advocating patriotism and social justice.

The movie depicts the take of the producer/director on the issues he identifies as being the core of the problems of Pakistan, including rampant corruption and injustice in every cog of the civilian government system, the civilian law-enforcement agencies, the judicial system, and all tiers of political leadership from the bottom right up to the top.

The movie's controversial regional focus on Sindh rather than a general scenario and its depiction as an absolute cesspool of corruption, injustice and exploitation drew divided views from audiences upon its screening.

Also read: ‘Maalik’ premiered with overwhelming message of patriotism

Critics said that the character of an extortionist, murderer and rapist chief minister in the movie appeared to have been rather blatantly associated with a real world political party, with one scene clearly showing the photo of the party’s former leader hung on a wall in his home.

Sources said the film was given a screening certificate by the Censor Board a few weeks ago but, after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting received several complaints, a decision was taken to ban the movie.

Sources said viewers complained that the film promoted differences among ethnicities, glorifies former Afghan jihadists, encourages taking the law in their hands, and promotes violence against political figures.

Speaking after a screening of his film last week, Aashir Azeem said that people of Pakistan are the true owners of this land and they are the centre of power rather than any individual.

To a question regarding the message of absolute hopelessness in political institutions and the encouragement of taking matters into one’s own hands, Aashir said the movie does not encourage any action above the law.

"It only advocates that the civic duty of a Pakistani does not end with casting a vote every five years, it extends towards contributing to solutions instead of just whining about the problems and…hoping that their leaders would do it all,” he was quoted as saying.

 

[WebGuru]

According to different news channels the ban is because of criticizing politicians.

 

[Suleiman]

What a dumb move by a country with supposed deomcracy.

All this will do is advertise the movie more. Before this new I didn't even know it was out, but after they announced the ban, now I know, and will watch it. Come at me, nor afraid of some plastic lion

 

[CricketCartoons]

Sad move. Now some patriots will miss the chance to get their patriotic juices flowing, as display of patriotism is now limited to movies and sports.

 

[Third_Umpire]

On the flip side, it is probably another terrible lollywood production so at least the public is saved from wasting 3 precious hours.

 

[AFG_Brit]

On the flip side, it is probably another terrible lollywood production so at least the public is saved from wasting 3 precious hours.

The director seems a talented guy ( his drama dhunwa ) was very good when I watched it back in 90s. People still talk about it so he must have done a good job in the movie. I don't watch Pakistani movies but have watched a few recent ones which have been okay. But I would want to watch this one.

 

[Waseem]

On the flip side, it is probably another terrible lollywood production so at least the public is saved from wasting 3 precious hours.

Someone is still living in 90s

Movie was first banned by Sindh government because they had objection on the use of word CM, Sindh CM probably thought the movie is about him since it revolves around corrupt politicians. Federal government then also banned the movie considering our honourable head of state is in deep trouble since Panama leaks and this movie doesn't help PM Sharif's cause so they banned it all together.

Chalo movie gayi, democracy bach gayi

 

[Gayle_Force]

From what I heard, there is a scene in the movie that closely replicates(and possibly glorifies) salman taseer's murder. However, I am not sure if that's true.

 

[saeedhk]

It is banned because it portrayed Pakistani politicians as being corrupt.

Sent from my Lenovo A6000 using Tapatalk

 

[Deosai]

It celebrates the Pak army, that's why the Indian *cough* pmln govt banned it

 

[Runner Up]

The decision already challenged in the court of law and the ban will be lifted soon I hope. There were mixed reviews about the movie but now it's going to be a massive hit once the ban is lifted.

 

[Salman]

Looks pretty decent tbh, although like most current Pakistani films, it had to include the token commandos in action scenes which are getting boring now.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ew2dSv99JA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[WebGuru]

The director seems a talented guy ( his drama dhunwa ) was very good when I watched it back in 90s. People still talk about it so he must have done a good job in the movie. I don't watch Pakistani movies but have watched a few recent ones which have been okay. But I would want to watch this one.

Director (Ashir Azeem a Pakistani christian) is a senior officer in Pakistan Customs thats one of the reason he never had the time to go for another project in decades after his successful drama Dhuwan.

 

[WebGuru]

This movie can make big money now because of the controversy and hype so if Ashir Azeem can get an order from court this is going to be a big hit.

If i am not wrong Ashir Azeem was under investigation in some corruption scandal by NAB so looks like Govt will make life hard for him in upcoming days he should have think twice before making a movie on this topic.

One a side note why Yalghar movie is not released yet? I saw the trailer like 2 years ago and the movie is still not release. If i am not wrong this is the biggest movie by budget in Lollywood history (around 50 crore).

 

[endymion248]

They should release these pakistani movies on youtube after a while, it's almost impossible to watch them except a select few cinema. It's not like they are going to get any legal DVD sales anyways. Alternatively, sell them to TV channels.

 

[Deosai]

Looks pretty decent tbh, although like most current Pakistani films, it had to include the token commandos in action scenes which are getting boring now.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ew2dSv99JA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

it never gets old

 

[IslamabadUnited]

They shouldn't have banned it. We should promote Pakistani film industry.

 

[Strike Rate]

SHC declares ban on Maalik 'illegal', clears for screening

Court allows Ashir Azeem’s directorial film to be released throughout the country

http://tribune.com.pk/story/1176979/hc-declares-ban-maalik-illegal-clears-screening/

 

[Lonewarrior]

Good news.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

They shouldn't have banned it. We should promote Pakistani film industry.

I'd like to agree, but honestly, have you seen most Pakistani movies? Banning them would normally be doing the public a favour. That said, the one reason a movie should never be banned is for criticising politicians.

 

[WebGuru]

So Ashir took early retirement from civil services of Pakistan (Customs) and now he drive a truck in Canada...

 

[pakistan cricket fan]

So Ashir took early retirement from civil services of Pakistan (Customs) and now he drive a truck in Canada...

I like this film very much you can see the whole wadera culture.

 

[Black Zero]

So Ashir took early retirement from civil services of Pakistan (Customs) and now he drive a truck in Canada...

Not bad,
As one of my batch mate left engineering job and started trucking in canada, now he got couple of homes and few trucks.

I suspect, people in this line "save" through tax evasion

 

[Asim_khan]

Brain and talent drain of Pakistan continues. Dhuwan is an ATG drama. Really sad that a guy who should be exploiting themes and ideas critical to opening the eyes of the common Pakistani, challenging toxic social norms and the corrupt ruling elite is instead reduced to being a potential star of Ice road truckers.