The fate of the controversial movie, Zindagi Tamasha, remains uncertain as the Council of Islamic Ideology and Central Board of Film Censors failed to conduct a meeting to review the movie.
The release of the movie, scheduled in January, was delayed after religious political parties, particularly Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan(TLP), decried the movie for humiliating clerics and values of Islam.
CII and CBFC dispute
Statements from the members of CII and CBFC show that the entities are passing on the blame to each other, implying that they jitter to uplift the ban on the movie ‘Zindagi Tamasha’, fearing backlash from religious parties.
“It is beyond understanding why the review meeting was not held and it seems that this matter will not be settled in the coming days. More than two weeks have passed and nothing has been done in this regard. Two weeks was enough time to conduct the relevant proceedings. Even the provincial censor boards have not arranged their review meetings,” said an official of CBFC while seeking anonymity.
The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) is going to review Zindagi Tamasha upon the request of the federal government to settle the dispute over its release.
https://twitter.com/_meher/status/1222765059744489472?s=20
The movie is temporarily barred from display despite clearance from three censor boards.
Recently, Dr. Firdaus Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to PM Khan, informed that the government will approach CII to review the movie to decide if the movie is suitable for screening.
Central Board of Film Certification had invited members of the Council of Islamic Ideology to review the film.
Read more: Zindagi Tamasha to be examined by Council of Islamic Ideology
“We have reached out to CII following the aide’s tweet but are yet to set a time and day for the review meeting. Once that is finalized we will ask Sarmad Khoosat to bring his film for review,” said Daniyal Gilani, Chairman CBFC.
We are awaiting the decision by the CII and CBFC. We will follow them over this matter as the issue is serious,” said the official from Punjab Board film and censor board.
When asked, CII informed that they have submitted the details of their four members and are waiting for the response from the CBFC.
Sarmad Sultan Khoosat-agitated with the incessant continuous backlash considered to withdraw the release of the film. But encouragement and validation poured in on his Twitter post seeking advice from people on his decision.
“Last week we sent a letter to the CBFC Chairman notifying him of our four-member bench for the review. We also requested him to arrange the review meeting. It is our information that the latter has reached the Chairman but we have yet to get a reply from his office,” said a CII official to a local media outlet.
CBFC has denied receiving any letter from CII. The board says that they will pursue the process once they receive the letter from CII. They informed that the movie is not in their possession.
The backlash on the movie
The movie, ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ or ‘Circus of Life’ is about a conservative, devout Muslim businessman, whose video of dancing and watching women at a wedding went viral on social media. His video incited hatred and disdain from people in his neighborhood which becomes a taboo for the family, cursed and shamed extensively following the video scandal.
Read more: Movie ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ gets support from Mahira Khan
Sarmad Sultan Khoosat-agitated with the incessant continuous backlash considered to withdraw the release of the film. But encouragement and validation poured in on his Twitter post seeking advice from people on his decision.
In a heartfelt note, Sarmad poured out his hard work and determination to create this movie. He affirmed that he is using the entertainment platform to bring a positive change in the society which he would not have been able to if he became a bureaucrat, with hands tied, had he followed the advice of his teacher in GCU Lahore.
He clarified his movie does not malign any particular sect, profession or religious leaders. ‘Zindagi Tamasha is an empathetic and heartfelt story of a bearded man who is so much more than just that’, wrote Khoosat in his open note.
Very naive to believe this goon is back in the hut; finds another reason to stay alive. #TLP
“We will not let the film #ZindagiTamasha release & will do whatever it takes to make sure it does not see the light of day,” adding ‘jo karna hai kar lo’ https://t.co/gMSDorua4e— دائم (@DaimFazil) February 6, 2020
He called the attention of PM Khan towards the unprovoked criticism hindering the release. In his note, he included that bullies are transgressing the legal authority of CBFC that has cleared the movie.
While the uncertainty looms the release of the movie, TLP chief Khadim Rizvi said that he won’t allow the release of the movie at any cost. The movie would be released ‘over his dead body’ said Khadim Rizvi in an alarming statement.
Now, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat has called in the support of the media industry to help him fight back the opposition.