In recent days, social media has been buzzing with claims that the highly anticipated Barbie film has been banned in Punjab, Pakistan. Reports suggested that the Punjab Film Censor Board withheld the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the movie due to its alleged “objectionable” content, with some attributing the ban to the film’s supposed pro-LGBTQ themes.
However, it seems that these claims are not entirely accurate. A quick search online reveals that major cinemas in Lahore, including Cue Cinemas, Cine Star, and Universal Cinemas, are not currently screening the Barbie film. This absence of screenings added fuel to the speculations surrounding the movie’s supposed ban. Meanwhile, cinemas continue to show Christopher Nolan’s film “Oppenheimer,” leaving moviegoers puzzled about the discrepancies in the screening schedule.
Yet, despite the lack of clarity and official statements, Barbie’s status in Punjab is not as dire as initially suggested. The Express Tribune conducted an investigation to shed light on the situation. The newspaper attempted to contact Vasay Chaudhary, the vice-chairman of the Punjab Film Censor Board, for clarification, but received no response at the time of reporting.
According to reliable sources, the Barbie film is not banned in Punjab, and in fact, the Punjab Film Censor Board issued a No Objection Certificate for the movie recently. However, the board made specific demands for editing before granting permission for public screenings. Reportedly, four words in the film were deemed objectionable and were required to be either beeped or removed altogether.
This request for content editing did not sit well with HKC Entertainment, the local distributors of the Barbie film in Pakistan. Despite attempts to contact their representative and the CEO, Hammad Chaudhry, The Express Tribune received no response.
While there have been complaints about the board’s editing demands, it’s important to note that content regulations are common in the film industry, and many countries have censorship guidelines to ensure that movies adhere to cultural norms and sensitivities.
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In conclusion, while the news of a Barbie film ban in Punjab caused a stir online, the reality is more nuanced. The film is not banned outright but is facing temporary delays due to the content editing requirements set by the Punjab Film Censor Board. As for now, the citizens of Punjab will have to wait a little longer to witness the adventures of Barbie on the big screen, while other parts of Pakistan continue to enjoy the film without any hindrance.
