Bin Laden satire not funny in Pakistan
Source: Agencies |
July 15, 2010, Thursday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
PAKISTAN has banned an Indian-made comedy film about Osama bin Laden for fear it could spark terrorist attacks, officials said yesterday.
The film, "Tere Bin Laden," is about a Pakistani journalist desperate to get a visa to the United States who pretends to score an interview with the elusive al-Qaida chief after finding a look-alike. Though a Bollywood film, it is unusual because it stars a Pakistani actor, Ali Zafar.
The film was set for release in Pakistan and elsewhere tomorrow. There were reports that producers would release it here by just the name "Tere Bin" to downplay the focus on the September 11 mastermind believed to be hiding in Pakistan's tribal areas.
"Tere Bin Laden" means "Without You Laden," so the shortened version would mean "Without You."
Pakistan's film censor board decided that, because of the bin Laden connection, the movie could trigger terrorist attacks in a nation already suffering from them, said a senior board member.
It's not unprecedented for Pakistan to ban films, especially if linked to its longtime regional archrival, but the impact of such censorship is likely to be limited.
While there are some movie theaters in the bigger cities that will be affected, DVDs are a more common means of watching movies here. Indian films are popular in Pakistan, though only some make it to the big screens.
Zafar's manager Faraz Ahmed said the actor, currently in the Indian city of Mumbai, was aware of the decision. He said they were still in touch with Pakistani authorities in hopes of getting clearance.
The film, "Tere Bin Laden," is about a Pakistani journalist desperate to get a visa to the United States who pretends to score an interview with the elusive al-Qaida chief after finding a look-alike. Though a Bollywood film, it is unusual because it stars a Pakistani actor, Ali Zafar.
The film was set for release in Pakistan and elsewhere tomorrow. There were reports that producers would release it here by just the name "Tere Bin" to downplay the focus on the September 11 mastermind believed to be hiding in Pakistan's tribal areas.
"Tere Bin Laden" means "Without You Laden," so the shortened version would mean "Without You."
Pakistan's film censor board decided that, because of the bin Laden connection, the movie could trigger terrorist attacks in a nation already suffering from them, said a senior board member.
It's not unprecedented for Pakistan to ban films, especially if linked to its longtime regional archrival, but the impact of such censorship is likely to be limited.
While there are some movie theaters in the bigger cities that will be affected, DVDs are a more common means of watching movies here. Indian films are popular in Pakistan, though only some make it to the big screens.
Zafar's manager Faraz Ahmed said the actor, currently in the Indian city of Mumbai, was aware of the decision. He said they were still in touch with Pakistani authorities in hopes of getting clearance.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 娌狪CP璇侊細娌狪CP澶05050403鍙-1
- |
- 浜掕仈缃戞柊闂讳俊鎭湇鍔¤鍙瘉锛31120180004
- |
- 缃戠粶瑙嗗惉璁稿彲璇侊細0909346
- |
- 骞挎挱鐢佃鑺傜洰鍒朵綔璁稿彲璇侊細娌瓧绗354鍙
- |
- 澧炲肩數淇′笟鍔＄粡钀ヨ鍙瘉锛氭勃B2-20120012
Copyright 漏 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
