Rishi Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu‘s new film ‘Mulk’ hit the screens today is based on a real-life story, Mulk revolves around the struggles of a Muslim joint family from a small town in India, who fight to reclaim their honour after a member of their family takes to terrorism.
The movie has created a lot buzz since the trailer was released as it raises some important questions pertaining to religion and patriotism. Trade analyst Girish Johar said, “If I have to place my money, I will place it on Mulk. Whatever they are trying to convey is a strong message and it is a strong content film backed by deadly performances by Rishi Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu and Ashutosh Rana. In my opinion, the film might earn Rs 2 crore on its first day.”
Despite the appreciation the makers are upset as Pakistan Board banned the release of Mulk. Director Anubhav Sinha has urged viewers in Pakistan to “watch the film illegally, if you must”.
According to a statement issued on behalf of the makers on Thursday, the Federal Censor Board of Pakistan has banned the film, a courtroom drama around restoring the honour of a Muslim family accused of treason. Danyal Gilani, Chairman, Pakistan’s Central Board of Film Censors ( CBFC), told IANS via the social media: “Members of the CBFC unanimously decided not to approve the trailer of Mulk as its contents flout the Censorship of Film Code, 1980.”
The makers said “We are disturbed by this prejudiced verdict and it’s such an irony because our film talks about this very prejudice. We urge the Pakistani Censor Board to reconsider their decision. “They will realise how essential it is to the well-being of the human race across the world.” Sinha has penned a “letter to Pakistan”, through which he raises a question about why the censors in Pakistan are not letting the citizens watch a film “that talks about co-existence”.
Addressed to “Dear citizens of Pakistan” in what he calls a “risk of being called an anti-national by some losers back home”, Sinha’s letter reaches out to film lovers across the border as they will not be able to see the film legally.
“Why is it that they do not want you to see the film that talks about co-existence. I know, sooner or later, you will have access to the film. Please do watch it and give me your opinion why did the Pakistan censor board ban the film.
“I really wanted you all to see this film legally, but do watch it illegally, if you must, though our digital team at home is working hard to stop all piracy,” wrote Sinha, who also pointed out how based on the trailer, some people in India thought it was pro-Muslim and people in Pakistan felt it stereotyped Muslims.
Sinha has maintained the film is about “love that all of us individuals should have”. “You have Hindus as a minority in your country and we have Muslims as a minority in ours. We all must work towards co-existing in peace and harmony.”