Love it or hate it, you just CAN’T ignore it. With numerous dramas based on this cliché, and more to come (I am not kidding) we are stuck with it for a long, long time. While having a conversation with my friends, I suddenly started to count all the doosri biwi dramas on-air right now, and then decided to share the list with you guys.

Monday (8:00 pm):

Doosri Biwi on ARY Digital:

Naam hi kaafi hai. It tells the story of Hassan who is happily married to Ayesha and has a daughter. He defends his colleague, Farah from her shukki fiance Amir, and as a result, she falls in love with him. Hassan falls in love with her, and marries her (after a lot of drama). Our talented reviewer Maryam Mehdi will keep you updated.

Monday (9:00 pm)

Ishq Mein on Express Entertainment:

Kahan se shuru hua thha, aur kahan agaya. This show started with the love story of Adnan and Samra, but when Adnan’s lawaaris cousin, Neha, got pregnant out of wedlock, he had to marry her to save her honour. This caused problems between him and Samra. Then, with a predictable twist, Samra’s mother passed away, and then in order to save Samra’s honour he married her as well. So now we can see the evil first wife destroying Samra’s happiness and since Samra is infertile, Neha gets all the attention. It is poorly directed and extremely dragged, not to mention, all the Indian drama influence!

Wednesday (8:00 pm)

Khataa on ARY Digital:

I won’t waste time explaining the flawed story. It’s a stupid love story-meets-saas bahu story-meets-doosri biwi story. The lead couple (Sanam Chaudry and Sheroze Sabzwari) does not have any chemistry. In recent episodes, Nomi (Shehroze) has gotten married to another girl owing to the saazishein of his mother against his first wife_ while she is pregnant!

Tum Mere Hi Rehna on Hum TV:

Another love story turned into doosri biwi story. Hum TV, just because you and ARY are the big channels and have a lot of competition , doesn’t mean you have to air equally crap dramas. TMHR does not have any good performances either, except Saba Hameed. Plus, the lead couple Mikaal Zulfiqar and Urwa Hocane are just not likeable anymore.

Thursday (8:00 pm)

Mehram on Hum TV:

The show was incredibly boring to begin with, so you can imagine how hard it would be to keep track of it after they introduced a second wife track. Besides, we all know either the first (bechari) wife will die in the end or the second wife will accept her.

Main Bushra on ARY Digital is on its way to become the next doosri biwi drama. I would love to be wrong about this one. The reviews will keep you updated.

Sultanat-e-Dil on Geo TV:

It will turn into a doosri biwi drama in a few episodes, as is evident from promos. Right now, the male lead has married his widowed bhabhi and sacrificed his love interest Anoushey, for the sake of his family values. Anoushey will obviously step in at some point. SeD is being reviewed on the site.

Saturday (8:00 pm)

Dil Nahi Manta on ARY Digital:

Goya was not a doosri biwi drama, in fact it was a pretty good romantic thriller, so ARY thought, “Hey, we made a mistake! How can we air a good drama at 8:00 pm?” Thus, Dil Nahi Manta, a major LOL-fest was shifted to the prime time slot. What’s so special in it, you ask? Well, this time the dude married two women simultaneously, with each of them sitting on his sides, while their parents shook hands and were glad that, chalo atleast their daughters got married.

Sunday (8:00 pm)

Nikkah on Hum TV:

Rohail has forgotten his bachpan ki mohabbat and the girl, Ayesha,  whom he got married to before going to America. She is however still in love with him. He does not have the guts to tell his parents about his second wife so the only logical solution is to bring her to his parents’ home! How the story will unfold from their is pretty obvious. If the name is lame, the drama will be lame too.

The topic of a man marrying two women has been discussed on almost every channel. Even A-Plus has Jaanum and Kaneez and in both, the man is caught between two wives. so basically, EVERYDAY, we have one, two or three such dramas to watch. Can’t ignore ’em, eh? The score board is as follows:

  For me, channels like Hum TV and ARY Digital, airing such dramas is totally intolerable. If ARY did not have Jeeto Pakistan for Friday and Sunday, I am sure we would have two more doosri biwi drama for these days. They are the big channels of Pakistan who have given us hit dramas. Telecasting these shows is unfair to their audience. They have no storyline and logic and are unbearable to the senses.

   But we have two more upcoming dramas on ARY Digital, which are based on the same cliché.

1. Mamta:

2. Ishq Parast:

No rocket science required to figure that out!

Areeba Mohsen

It is a very famous quote that Whats in a name. You will believe it until you start watching Pakistani dramas. We are people whose religion also asks the parent to give their children beautiful names. So, we do know the importance of names. Right? I think the answer is no for some people who name their “baby projects” in a way that they would be bullied throughout their run and sadly (and honestly) they deserve the criticism. So here are some names which I found rather disturbing because they just not leave a good impression:

Main Maa Nahin Banna Chahti:

Go sit with your family and suddenly say it in a loud voice. Yes, you can try this even if you are a man because it is that awkward. I know it is just a name but still one does not even want to say it. The name alone was enough to make me not watch this drama. Though I did see a few episodes and you know it was all about maa banna. Everyone is not planning for a baby, I understand that too but trust me no one wants to say it. And that is the reason this drama got a lot of criticism on its launch promos because of this name.

Janam Jali:

Amna Ilyas, Juggan Kazim and Azfar Rehman starrer Janam Jali also focused on baby problems. The name of this drama was again extremely off-putting. Such an ugly, stupid and abusive name that leaves the character unattractive, even the viewers’ confidence will get shattered. One does not use this word until he/she is really out if their senses due to anger or grief and here we have it as a title to our drama.

Karam Jali:

Yes, another Jali in the list. This one aired on A Plus and I did not even know about it till I started assembling the list of some most horrendous names I have seen as drama titles. I myself was only aware of two Jalis but apparently there was a third and apparently, there were preferring sons over daughters problem going on this one. So, they thought a girl not wanted by her father should be a Karam Jali.

Naseebon Jali:

I see a pattern here now. So the makers are consciously choosing these abusive names as titles? This one is afresh drama airing on HUM TV. Why make a whole project, invest in it and at the end name it like some burnt stuff? I am not watching this one either but you will agree the name is again very off-putting.

Kambakht Tanno:

Like a lot of Jalis were not enough on screen, so they decided to add a Kambakht too. What is this name now? I am not a hardcore feminist and I find it offensive. Are there dramas like Naseebon Jala or Kambakht Parvez or anything like that? NO! We only make Naseebon Jalis and Kambakht Tannos. Such a bad name for a title.

Kal Moonhi:

Listening to this name what you will get are negative thoughts. And think about it both ways and you will get a bad taste in your mouth. The first thought that comes to one’s mind is a woman who is not fair and is it that bad to have dark skin that you are using it as a taunt? And even in the second way, if it is because of someone’s character, it is still so racist and off-putting. Urdu is a vast language and the desired expression can be expressed in many other ways rather than calling someone Kal Moonhi.

These are the names which make a viewer run away before even giving a chance to a project. There are many which keep coming out and haunt us in our dreams. Any others that come to your mind? Do share in the comments section!

Some iconic male actors of our industry have left this world but even after their demise they are alive in the memories of their fans. They are still praised and cherished by countless viewers, not only for their acting skills but also for they memories they have left us with; memories of their characters and works on screen. Some unforgettable names are:
Moin Akhtar

Moin Akhtar; versatility in comic roles personified, he was a legend in his own right. Amongst the highly multitalented personalities of Pakistani industry Moin Akhtar was an acclaimed actor, comedian, writer, singer and host. Though his expertise lies in comic roles and mimicry, he was equally adept in serious roles as well; his character in Rozee is amalgam of both comedy and serious acting, in short a symbol of versatility. The genius of Moin Akhtar and Anwar Maqsood always brought something extraordinary and highly intellectual yet always coated with humor and social satire. In his last interview when asked about his contribution to Pakistani comedy he answered “everything I did is a part of history now. To live with history is difficult but there will be people, who will say one day, “There was a man who did it and did it so differently”.”

Shafi Mohammad Shah

Best known for his roles as feudal lord, Shafi Mohammad Shah’s personality had the aura of a feudal lord but the one who was perhaps the most soft spoken feudal. He gave us numerous unforgettable plays and performances e.g. Aanch, Marvi, Afshaan, Teesra Kinara and many more.

Jamshed Ansari

Jamshed Ansari another gem of Pakistan television was greatly admired actor and comedian; mostly known for his comic roles. Uncle Urfi, Unkahi, Tanhaiyan, Sach Much, Half Plate are among his most notable works. He has done some serious roles as well but they are always outshined by his flawless performances in comic overtones particularly Uncle Urfi and Unkahi’s characters.

Hassam Qazi

Another esteemed actor who smile and powerful voice mesmerized the audience. Marvi, Sangchoor and Pinjra are among his noteworthy plays. Though his gained fame from a negative role (Marvi) and performed it to perfection yet he appeared to be the most polite person ever. It is caliber of such actors to perform every character seamlessly.

Khayyam Sarhadi

Khayyam Sarhadi a remarkable artist who embodied the very soul of each character he performed. With countless dramas on his list, Khayyam Sarhadi kept adding jewels like Angar Wadi, Ghulam Gardish, Man Chalay ka Sauda and Meri Zaat Zara e Benishan in his crown.

Salim Nasir

Salim Nasir has the briefest career as compared to the above mentioned actors. He worked in few yet amazingly superb dramas in his short career. I have not seen him in serious roles but I’m sure he has acted flawlessly in them as he did in Angan Tehra and Unkahi; both characters had comic overtones, nonetheless these two characters have made him eternal and unforgettable.

All these artists are equally exquisite and wonderful actors, the order of mentioning is random. Every one of them is asset, a priceless treasure who has shaped Pakistani drama industry into what it is today. They are not among us today but their efforts, unsurpassed and profoundly influential acting will always be remembered and admired.

Feel free to add your deceased favorites.

Faiza Cheema

Family is what makes your life complete. In order to keep a family together, some sacrifices have to be made and some struggles need to be done, but in the end what you have is some people who matter the most to you.

Khair, here I won’t bore you with “normal” families. Let’s talk about the crazy ones, who make us laugh with them and we wish that we were part of them.

Azam’s family in Family Front:

This family is the coolest family I have ever seen. The way they messed up and then tried to fix things was relate-able and fun to watch. Bechare Azam ! I felt sorry for him. But they really couldn’t help it could they? Troubles came naturally to them :D

Everyone’s acting was phenomenal. Saba Abdul-Hameed, Anjum Shehzad, Urooj Nasir and Samina Ahmed were totally adorable as a family. FF sends loads of laughter my way no matter how many times I watch it. It was much better than the so called comedies we see nowadays. Absolutely comedy-less!

Aunn’s family in Aunn Zara:

One bechara Aunn in a house full of women. Whether is was the overprotective mom, the tantrum throwing phuppo, the chachi or the dadi , everyone’s life revolved around Aunn. The way they cared for him and then his wife was touching and obviously adorable. The discussions, the tantrums and the overall craziness this family had made me love them more and more.

Nabeel’s family from Bulbulay:

Before Bulbulay lost its charm, I loved this family. Maa jee’s forgetfulness, Mehmood Sahab‘s freaking out on every occasion, Nabeel’s  laziness and Khoobsurat’s “shut up Nabeel! ” were the unforgettable parts of Bulbulay.

Azar’s family in Azar Ki Ayegi Baraat:

Saima Chauhdry was the jaan of this play. Her dialogues and acting were top-notch. The way she bossed others around was entertaining and not annoying at all. Chauhdry Sahab , Vicky and Dolly messed up one way or another and this led to hilarious situations. Azir was the only one “different” in this family.

Zara and Sanya’s family in Tamhaiyan:

Sanya was the crazy one among the two sisters and her and Qabacha’s scenes were the best ones. Haseena Moin nailed the characters of the play.Moreover, everyone’s acting was realistic and that made me believe that they were real family.

Aangan Terha family:

Bushra Ansari, Shakeel, Salim Nasir, Durdana Butt were ah-mazing throughout! Bushra’s Ansari is part of two of the awesome families on my list. She is no doubt a talented and natural actress.

I am sure you guys will have more names to share. I would love to know about your list of crazy families as well.

Areeba Mohsen

Forgiveness is not a light word. It is heavier than any other word because of its vast meaning. Forgetting someone else’s rudeness and ignorance is not easy and then whole-heartily taking them back in your life is really hard. Trust me, it’s not everyone’s forte.  However, our drama characters show us a delusion that forgiving someone is a piece of cake.  Following are a few cases when forgiveness was portrayed as a mere formality.

1. In Adhoori Aurat when Maryam (Aiza Khan) forgave her ex-husband (Faisal Qureshi) for abandoning her when she had cancer, cheating on her with the house maid, ridiculing her in front of his family and trying to snatch away their daughter from her.

2. In Ahmed Habib Ki Betiyan when a father (Shabbir Jan) forgave his daughter who had run away with the watch man (chokidar) and married him. After she gave birth to his child :O  all that was needed was some weepy dialogues like “iss bachay ko dekhein abba!” and he forgave her!!

3. In Dil-e-Muzter when Sila(Sanam Jung) left the man who cared for her, took care of her kid and had helped her when she was all alone, and went back to Adeel, who had married another woman without even mourning for his kid’s death!

4. In Aasmanon pe likha when Aliyan (Shehryar Munawwar) did not ask for any explanation from his father for everything his father did to hi mother.

5.  In Maat when Aiman (Amina Sheikh) forgave Faisal (Adnan Siddiqui) for rejecting her for Saman. She agreed to marry him after Saman left him and also agreed to take care of his kid. Obviously the dude got more than he deserved and showed his real okaat after many years of marriage.

6. In Na Kaho Tum Mere Nahi when Meerub (Ahsan Khan) abandoned his wife (Saba Qamar)  and kids for another woman, later realized his mistake and came back, his wife forgave him completely as if nothing had happened. Unbelievable!

7. In Pani Jaisa Pyar when a beaten. ridiculed and insulted Sana (Saba Qamar) forgave her inhumane husband without any explanation and without asking him why he inflicted such torture upon her. He had spared no torture in order to kill her

Forgiving someone is an amazing thing to do. It is preferred in Islam too. But this does not mean that, as shown in out dramas, people can inflict as much pain on others as they can and in the end, mere dialogues will cover everything up. It is not that easy to forget everything. So the next time you insult someone, or are rude to them, remember that forgiveness is not as easy as shown in dramas.

Black is a very neutral color and it is my personal favorite because it usually goes with everything. In this article I am going to describe the black color and its advantages. Black is a very flattering color and it is really very trendy. Usually if you have a black tight it will go with almost any top may it be of any color. In the same way if you have a black coat, you can wear it on any colored sweater and jeans. I have black colored boots and they almost go with any dress I wear so they are my personal favorites. Another wonderful advantage of black dresses is that they usually give you a slimmer and a fashionable look. Black is in fashion since 1920 and till now its popularity has not faded. Many designers love to use black in their collections and this is why no wardrobe is considered complete if black is not present there. Black color is best for all kinds of skin tones. It usually makes darker girls look attractive and fair girls look fairer.

There are so many ways to use black in your every day routine. Black is worn as T shirts, sleeveless shirts, tank tops and many other sorts of dresses. As winter is at its peak, black fur coats and shawls give you an elegant look. In the office black colored trousers, skirts and coats give a classy look. The biggest plus point of black is that it works on every fabric. May it be cotton, silk, wool or any other stuff black is something that is never missed. Black leather coats and tops are very in fashion these days. They give you a fashionable dazzling look. People usually wear black alone but I will suggest a mix and match outfit. You can often add up some colors with black. I used the highlighter pink and yellow with black a lot in summers as it is a great combination. Apart from this a green or navy blue shirt goes well with black jeans. Black sequins and embroidery looks great on any colored dress. So for weddings a simple hot pink long dress with black embroidery looks fabulous. It dazzles every other person.

Most people term black as the color of mourning but I do not agree with this. I have seen beautiful wedding dresses with black combinations and the brides who wear that look absolutely stunning. The repetition of black in the fashion trends is the evidence to support my thought that it is definitely not the color of the mourning. Black is usually worn by all sorts of people; kids, teens, elderly people, rich and poor etc. For all that, the intriguing thing about wearing black is that it can mean whatever you want it to; sexy or elitist, religious or seductive. It is a very adjusting color and this is what makes it this popular. Black is considered to be a pure color this is why it is highly adaptable as it is. No changes or transformation is required. It is the color of the poets and the writers, this shows that it is the choice of highly intellectual people.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana say that black is a supreme color and it is the sum of all colors. Mediterranean beauty is depicted through the color black. Apart from all this black is a convenient color. People look good in black this is why they find it better than the other colors. It makes fatter people look thinner which they consider as a miracle. Black color hides stains; this is a wonderful house hold color as well. For women who do the house holds stuff, black is the best choice because mostly stains do not get much prominent on this color. A professor of fashion says that the color black shows two different things, on one hand every one looks different in it and on the other hand it is a uniform.

Gold is when mixed with black, a wonderful combination is made. In fact all metallic colors look extremely gorgeous with black. Even if you only wear a black hat, your whole looks change. A vintage look is created which makes you look different. Colorful accessories with black can create magic. More over leopard and cheetah print goes very well with black and makes it double trendy. If you know how to wear black as a color then you are going to rock believe me it is fabulous.

Written by: Moomal Hassan.

Which is the most expensive drama of Pakistan!!! well there is no concrete answer, as in our country the budget of a serial is never made official for the reasons best known by drama producers. Whereas in many countries initial budget of a project is declared, and final budget upon completion is also made official.

Despite this sometimes we see claims by some drama producer regarding heavy budget of a drama. In our country television drama started by PTV, and it is not possible to estimate the cost of a PTV drama due to various factors as apart from actors, rest involved were permanant staff of PTV. However on few occasions PTV released the figure of revenue a drama had earned like revenue of drama Hawaien in 1994 was perhaps 3 crore.

Coming to satellite channels and private producers, neither of these have ever released the information on budget and revenue of a production. But still some private producers/channels claimed of producing the most high budgeted drama in our drama history. This trend is still in infancy, and ironically all such claims till now are put-forth by same media house. Moreover since the budget of any such serial is never officially declared, so mostly it is considered as an act to generate publicity.

This race or practice was started by none other than Geo TV, which started transmission in 2002. Before that any such trend was totally non-existent. Here is a list of dramas which were launched with claims of high budget. Since there is no official list of high budgeted Pakistani dramas, this list is entirely based upon my personal observations and citing, so be open to point out any mistake, by no means it is an official or concrete list.

Umraoo Jaan Ada

Right after its launch in 2003, Geo TV started Umraoo Jaan Ada, based on a famous Urdu novel. It was directed by Raana Sheikh with a heavy cast consisting of Bushra Ansari, Imran Abbas, Saadia Imam, Humayun Saeed, Faysal Qureshi, Adnan Siddiqui, Fahad Mustafa, Badar Khalil, Attiqa Odho and Sonia Rehman. The lead role was played by a debutant Aamnah Bano. The drama has many songs too. Meera and Resham also appeared as guest artists in this drama.

Geo launched massive campaign to promote this drama. For the very first time, Pakistani audience heard the claim of an expensive drama. Exact figures were never made official, however an estimated figure of 1 crore – 2 crore was in speculation. Those days, electronic media was in infancy, social media was not available, so Geo used all available resources in print media like Jang, Akhbar-e-Jehan, The News and MAG to promote it declaring it a masterpiece. As per advertisements and news published, main factors for high budget were extravagant sets, choreography, historical dresses and antique jewelry; to depict the atmosphere of 19th century of Lucknow. But the bubble busted after few episodes as it was an utterly boring and lackluster drama. The debutant Aamnah Bano, failed miserably to carry the role of Umraoo Jan Ada. For the sake of promoting drama, Geo TV also itself raised a controversy regarding some intimacy scenes in it, and arranged a special discussion on these scenes in program ’50 minutes’. But all went in vain, and the drama failed to impress anyone.

Geo TV mostly plays privately produced dramas, and seldom produces any drama itself. Umraoo Jan Ada, was a proof, that Geo is not best at producing a drama.

Partition Aik Safar

Another drama produced by Geo, again claims of high budget. This time the drama was Partition Aik Safar, which was started in 2007 and again directed by Raana Sheikh. The drama was launched on the occasion of 60th Independence Day of Pakistan. The cast included Madiha Iftikhar, Samiya Mumtaz, Farah Shah, Babar Ali, Shamil Khan, Adnan Siddiqi, Sami Khan, Sakina Sammo, Faysal Rehman, Meekal Zulfiqar, Aiman and many others. The drama was the story of different generations of a family spawning over 60 years in the history of Pakistan. Madiha Iftikhar was playing a leading role for the very first time in this drama. It was a young to old role, and in old role she was mother of actor Sami Khan.

This time, Geo TV has the support of electronic media along with print media, so a huge publicity campaign with claims of another high budgeted drama is initiated. Again exact budget is not made official, but speculation was between 2 to 4 crores. Some scenes of drama were also shot in Bangladesh and India too. The factors for high budget were; vintage dressings, styling, research work on story, shootings in foreign countries.

The drama was a good effort, but it failed to impress viewers due to many loopholes.  The team failed to reflect the environment and atmosphere of partition i.e. 1947 and 50’s, 60’s, 1971. Madiha Iftikhar was also unimpressive in all getups whether young and old. The ‘attention to details’ which is must for any play based on historical events, was totally missing which led to its downfall.

After failure of two dramas claimed as high budgeted, there was a period of silence where no other drama is declared as high budgeted, but old habits do not change so easily. Following its own silly traditions, in 2014 Geo TV again came up with claims of another high budgeted serial named Bashar Momin.

Bashar Momin

Bashar Momin is recently started drama of Geo TV, starring Faysal Qureshi, Ushnah Shah, Sami Khan, Yasir Mazhar and Maheen Khalid Rizvi. This time Geo TV has support of print media, electronic media and above all social media to advertise this drama. The drama is not produced by Geo TV, instead it is produced by A&B production house.

In the advertisement campaigns the drama is declared ‘out of world’, ‘master piece’ and a ‘unique experience’ never witnessed before in the entertainment history of Pakistan. The exact budget is never made official, but it is speculated to be in many crores. The main factors were styling, extravagant sets and props, costly jewelry, necklaces, dresses and locations. A Python snake is featured in the promotion photo shoot as well. Not contented with claims of heavy budget, the drama team also claimed that it will air simultaneously on an Indian channel and many international broadcasters are interested to buy its international rights too.

Its too early to comment on the fate of this serial, as only three episodes are telecasted so far. Enough is already said about it, but there has been nothing exceptional and noteworthy regarding this serial as promised in the advertisement campaign. Also three episodes have passed but the Indian channel and international broadcasters have somehow disappeared or who knows perhaps it was a confidential deal, where names of signatories are kept private.

Concluding the list, I must say that the trend of claiming high budgets does raise many questions. Is it a positive and healthy trend to make such claims? Is heavy budget is a guaranteed factor for a quality drama? Do viewers get attracted towards a heavy budgeted drama? Above all when a producer/media house comes up with such claims, shouldn’t the budget be made official, which is a base of such claims?

Being a regular viewer of Pakistani dramas like many of us, I can only answer one question that yes the claims of high budget are successful in attracting viewership, but only to an extent and that too in initial phase. If there is no substance in drama then after few episodes the drama fails badly. Why? because; such claims raise the expectation of a viewer from the drama, and when these expectations are not met, it results in flat failure. Also television audience of today is very intelligent, and cannot be fooled by repetition of such claims.

Being viewers of Pakistani dramas do share your opinion too. Are you attracted by such advertisements campaigns and whether budget is a benchmark for a quality drama? Above all how do you react to, when such drama fails to meet the expectation.

Thanks

Rashid Nazir Ali

So today we will address the elephant in the room aka The Censor Board but first let’s see what Censor Board really is.

The Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) is a film censorship board and rating system body under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for the Government of Pakistan. It is tasked with regulating the public screening of films under the provisions of the Motion Picture Ordinance, 1979. The head offices are located in Islamabad, while two regional offices are located in Karachi and Lahore.

Certifications is refused if, in the opinion of the board, the film or any part thereof:

1. ridicules, disparages or attacks Islam or any religious sect, caste and creed.
2. questions the integrity, security or defense of Pakistan or hurts national sentiments.
3. undermines public order, decency or morality, which includes vulgar dialogues, songs, or gestures.
4. glorifies vice or crime or amounts to incitement of a criminal offense.

Any film refused certification may appeal within thirty days of the date of refusal.

To be honest I can not name a single Hollywood, Bollywood or Lollywood movie that doesn’t defy at least one of the above criteria so based on that the only movies that would get clearance to be screened in our cinemas would be Iranian movies since their Censor Board does it right for a conservative Islamic state but here in lies the cute munafiqat of our Censor Board and the general public that claims to be conservative yet prefers a Bollywood or Hollywood movie over a Lollywood movie (relatively conservative than the former ones) any given day.

I know the entire anti-Bollywood mostly anti-Indian clan keeps asking for a ban on Bollywood releases entirely but breaking news those movies are what generate revenue for our cinemas, those Bollywood movies have a viewership larger than both Hollywood and Lollywood combined and form the back bone of our cinemas. I am not a fan of mainstream Bollywood myself but if we must rely on Bollywood to generate revenue for us let us at least be fair and choose art and not garbage to be screened at our cinemas.

Let’s look at some movies (both Indian and Pakistani) that were banned or not banned or banned and then unbanned by our prestigious Censor board and why.

1: Maalik

Everyone was bummed when this political thriller was banned because it called out the corrupt system of this country even tho CBFC claims that it has no jurisdiction or exercises any power over Punjab and Sindh Censor Broads but everyone knows who is pulling the strings. The film was banned by Sindh Censor Board and what a waste. This gem of a movie and the people who put everything they had in it did not deserve this. Banning movies that call out this system only goes to show we would rather pretend everything is okay than accept the truth. The integrity of this system can not be questioned or threatened since it doesn’t have any.

2: Verna

Shoaib Mansoor helmed Verna would have suffered the same fate as that of Maalik but it didn’t for reasons I do not know. The film was initially banned again because it called out the corrupt politicians and their abuse of power but the movie was later not only cleared and screened but was screened without any cut scenes. So what changed? The movie was screened just the way it was created so how come it was worthy of ban on first screening by Censor Board and then suddenly without any changes it was okay to be screened publicly.

3: PadMan

PadMan is a biopic that talks about menstrual hygiene and although this subject is as natural as any it is still treated as a taboo and even the slight mention of the word ‘menstruation’ still sends shivers down spines of many and makes them uncomfortable and I don’t mind if the Censor Board believes the film is too much right now that we still need time before we watch a movie that discusses menstruation with our families openly in cinemas but then again how come the same Censor Board doesn’t mind screening films like Jism, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and even Lollywood movies that sexualize women in the name of item songs and what not? The saddest part is the Censor Board didn’t even watch the movie before banning it since the topic is too disturbing.

4: Padmaavat

I watched Padmaavat (not in cinema who’d waste money on that lol) only because of all the hype and I still don’t understand what the protest was all about. If anyone it is us the Muslims who should have protested since Khilji was portrayed less like a Muslim and more like a Viking who was a pervert. More than them if anyone had a right to protest against this it was the cinema lovers since this movie is the trashiest thing I have seen in a long long time. This is an insult to cinema and to the intellects of movies goers. The film has bad cinematography, joke of script, so many unnecessary and laughable erotic scenes and glorifies traditions like Jauhar but apparently Censor Board thought this movie was perfectly alright to be screened publicly. Watching a movie that talks about menstruation is disturbing but hey let’s watch gay Khilji onscreen because why not!

The list goes on and on. Films like Jawani Phir Nahi Ani do not disrupt the very fabric of our society but films like Verna do, films that portray women as sex objects like Jism are ethically and morally acceptable but movies that talk about issues like rape and menstruation are a threat to our moral values. Censor Boards hypocrisy in particular and our nation’s hypocrisy in general needs to be called out again and again until we acknowledge our dual standards and work on what’s actually threatening the morals of this society.