Pakistan has banned the movie Padman citing ‘cultural’ reasons. The movie starring Akshay Kumar in a pivotal role has been released in 50 countries and doing well according to trade reports.
The movie is based on the real-life achievements of Arunachalam Muruganantham who understanding the problem of menstrual hygiene among women in rural India, invented a low-cost sanitary pad making machine. The story of Padman first appeared in a story by Akshay’s wife Twinkle Khanna called, ‘The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad’. The film has been directed by R Balki and also stars Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte in pivotal roles.
The Pakistan Federal Censor Board, however, has found the topic, ‘unIslamic’ and against the ‘cultural values’ of the country and banned its release there. Not only that, members of Punjab Film Censor Board refused to watch the film saying it is based on a “taboo subject” and rejected outright its clearance certificate.
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“We can’t allow our film distributors to import films which are against our traditions and culture,” FCB member, Ishaq Ahmed said to the media.
“We can’t allow the screening of films on taboo subjects in our cinemas as it is not in our culture, society or even religion,” another member said.
Well-known Pakistani filmmaker, Syed Noor said that there was a need to speak to the local film distributors and exhibitors about the films they import from other countries.
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“Not only this film PadMan but I think even Padmaavat should not have been released in Pakistan as it portrays Muslims in a very negative light,” Noor said.
The film is otherwise doing very well and Netizens have also embraced the #PadmanChallenge with thousands including film stars and sportspersons, uploading their pictures holding a sanitary pad on various social media sites.
The Pakistani reasons for the ban are actually the reason behind the making of the movie that deals with the taboo subject of menstrual hygiene.