Though Bollywood films have great market in Pakistan even more than the market of Pakisthani films, some Indian films are due to get banned easily. The main reason for this discretion is allegedly the anti-Pakistan content. Whenever a film is made with underlying themes of terrorism, Pakistan based terrorist organisations grow conscious and seek ban on such films.
The upcoming Bollywood movie ‘Phantom’ is also facing the heat from banned Lushkar-e-Toyiba Chief Hafiz Saeed for references pointing towards him making him responsible for Mumbai Terror attack. He moved Lahore High Court by his petition to ban the film in Pakistan.
He argues that ‘Phantom’ is anti Pakistan and spreading filthy propaganda on the country. Global terrorism is discussed in the film and some characters in the film have bold but veiled references to the alleged terrorist groups and their leaders like Saeed. The Lahore High Court refused to ban and asked for the respondents version on the movie.
Interestingly, this movie is directed by Kabir Khan who has a penchant for making films touching ‘India-Pakistan’ issues. His ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ was about two secret agents, one from India and the other from Pakistan, falling in love. This movie was banned in Pakistan.
However his latest release ‘Bhajrangi Bhaijaan’ was spared from ban and is running successfully to packed theatres in Pakistan even surpassing the collections of regional films in the country. The fate of ‘Phantom’ would be decided after Pakistan Censor Board clears the issues.