Pak distributors move censor board for ‘Tere Bin Laden’ release

Karachi: Film exhibitors and distributors here have filed an appeal with the Pakistani censor board for release of Indian film `Tere Bin Laden`, which has been banned in the country over fears of terrorist attacks. The film, released on July 16 in India, marks the acting debut of Pakistani popstar Ali Zafar as an over-ambitious television reporter who uses an Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden`s lookalike as his ticket to US. "We have filed an appeal with the Appellent Board of the Censor board but apparently they have reserved their decision on the film until next week," Nadeem Mandviwalla, official distributor for the film in Pakistan, said. "The decision to not permit screening of the film is a big blow to us as we are sure the pirated copies of the movie will be available in the market," he said. Moeenul Islam Bukhari, the secretary culture said that there was a delay in the appellate board taking a decision because of non-availability of members. "But we will decide on the appeal by next week," Bukhari said. The censor board had not give clearance for release of the film in Pakistan as it feared for the security of the public. "The Censor Board feels that there is a strong possibility given the security situation in Pakistan that some extremist or militant might take offence to the film and carry out violent acts in the theatres screening the movie," a government official said. When asked if the censor board`s objection was right, popstar-turned-actor Zafar said, "Our country is rightly in a different situation to other Muslim countries but that should not prevent us from fighting it. That means we should close down everything because it seems to be in danger every day. You cannot close down life, and I would be the last person who would want anything bad to happen to my country." Zafar reiterated that he will accept the decision made by the authorities. "I cannot guarantee that anything bad will not happen. I respect the censor board`s decision and will respect the one the appellate board will make. It is totally in their hands," Zafar said. PTI