Back in 2023, when the announcement of releasing ‘The Legend Of Maula Jatt’ in parts of India came to the spotlight, it gave many Pakistanis hope that they might be able to watch Bollywood movies again. However, the hope remained a hope as the movie did not screen in the country across the border.
But this idea jogged in memory and people moved on but since the new government will soon take charge, many Pakistanis are hoping that nothing will change.
Pakistan banned the screening of Indian films in the country’s cinemas, back in 2019 and since then, no action of lifting the ban has been taken.
Since the new government will take charge, is the ‘idea’ still possible? What’s the probability?
First ban
Pakistan first banned Indian movies in 1965 when the two countries went to war. The ban lasted over four decades before the country’s former military ruler General (r) Pervez Musharraf allowed Bollywood flicks in local cinemas once again.
Permanent ban
The ban started in 2019 after the then-Pakistani government placed a ban on Bollywood movies across the country as the tension between the neighbours continued to rise following.
Since then, there has been no Bollywood release in Pakistan. The cinemas have been running Hollywood in English and dubbed versions and local movies.
A little hope with ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’
In August 2022, after the release of Bollywood’s ‘Forrest Gump’ adoption titled Laal Singh Chaddha in India, a petition was filed in Pakistan to release the movie in Pakistani theatres as well.
The movie was globally distributed by Paramount Pictures and would have been imported into Pakistan by the Cinepax Media group. However, the NOC to screen the movie was later denied by the Information Ministry.
Will the new regime lift a ban?
If the new government takes charge, there are chances it will review the lifting of the ban. Especially if the PMLN government takes charge as the Indian prime minister holds good terms with Nawaz’s led PMLN. However, no official statement or action has been taken yet.
Should movies be banned?
Bringing back Indian movies in Pakistani theatre can help the local cinema grow side by side. There is a need for policymakers to import Indian content in a manner that the local film industry is not ‘completely hammered and destroyed’.
Moreover, if Bollywood movies can lead Pakistan’s Netflix’s weekly chart and trend on Pakistani Twitter on and off then why should not be screened in Pakistani theatres?
