Controversy over the ban on 'Calendar Girls' in Pakistan

The Dhaka Times Desk Producer Madhur Bhandarkar's film 'Calendar Girls' has started a controversy in Pakistan. The film is expected to be banned there.

According to news media, director Madhur Bhandarkar is facing controversy after returning to directing after a break of three years. There are reports that her new movie 'Calendar Girls' may be banned in Pakistan.

Indian news media Times of India reported that the movie 'Calendar Girls', based on the story of 5 models, has been banned in Pakistan due to a dialogue in the movie. On the other hand, the daily Indian Ekpress said that even though the movie has not been banned yet, it has caused quite a stir in Pakistan.

Producer Madhur Bhandarkar opened up about this on microblogging site Twitter. He says, 'This movie is not anti-Pakistan at all.'

Producer Madhur Bhandarkar said, 'We are told that 'Calendar Girls' is facing trouble in Pakistan as local distributors have raised objections to a dialogue shown in the movie's trailer.'

Producer Madhur Bhandarkar said, "I assure you, 'Calendar Girls is not anti-Pakistan.' The film will not hurt anyone's feelings. I am praying that the censor board there will see the movie and open the way for its release.'

It is reported that this 'Calendar Girls' is based on the story of 5 newbie models. In the story, one of them is again shown as a Pakistani. A dialogue in a trailer of the movie can be heard saying, 'Pakistani girls are used to daring acts like girls everywhere in the world. Sometimes they act a little more bravely than the rest.'

Indian media believes that Pakistani citizens consider the dialogue insulting to the country's culture and its women. And so there are rumors that the movie may be banned in the country.

However, the president of the Pakistani board, Mobashir Hasan, said in this regard, "We have not yet received the 'Calendar Girls' to give clearance." Even, we have not received any recommendation so far not to give the film a license.' All in all, it is understood that only rumors have spread around.