Waar, the movie which brought revolution in Pakistani cinema, as it has been produced in line with the International Standards has grossed around 190 million in Pakistan since its release in October. Now the latest news is that it has been approved by British Board of Film Censors’ and has been given an approval for its release in the UK.
The director of the movie, Bilal Lashari has stated, “Waar has been approved for release with no cuts. However, it will take 10 to 15 days to release because we are negotiating with distributors.” It might take around two more weeks for the movie to officially release in the UK as the producers are still finalizing the deal with the distributors in the UK. The number of cities, screens and locations are yet to be finalized.
There has also been a lot of speculation about its release in India. Regarding this, Bilal Lashari has stated, “I have not approached anyone specifically for distribution in India”. The movie has been criticized for creating a lot of propaganda and according to most people ‘it has portrayed India as the root cause for all its problems.’ Bilal Lashari has clarified from time to time that there was no such intention while making this movie.
Well, for those who say this, have they not seen India doing the same from time to time? Showing Pakistanis/Muslims as terrorists has been a trend in Indian movies for a long time now. In the case of Waar, it is just a matter of how you perceive the movie. Even if the villains in the movie are Hindus, Indians are not directly mentioned nor are they the direct target in this movie. At the end of the day, it is a ‘movie’ solely for the purpose of entertainment.
Lashari, in reference to Waar’s release in India states, “I have no idea how the people will react, but it would be great if it ends up being screened [in India]. A lot of people are saying it is never going to happen”
Waar’s release in India is the least of the concerns right now. There are far better arenas to conquer at the moment. The producers are in talks with distributors in other countries too. UK is just the beginning; it will be released in more countries now!
Waar was released in 42 screens in Pakistan and made a staggering RS. 11.4 million on its opening day at the box office. We pray and hope that it gains more numbers internationally than it has earned locally!
We wish all the best to its producer, director and actors. They have gained immense popularity locally; if this movie is a success internationally then they will be gain popularity on an international level. Hope the three years put into this movie and all the hard work pays off!
Whoever resides in the UK, do go and watch this movie and support Pakistani cinema!
Mariam Shafiq
