‘Shootout at Wadala’ too provocative for Pakistan?

Zee Media Bureau New Delhi: Shootout at Wadala – which has made a landmark in the history of A certificate films in Hindi cinema by minting Rs. 10.01 crore on its opening day – has hit a sort-of-a stumbling block in Pakistan. According to a leading daily, the Censor Board of Pakistan has delayed the release of ‘Shootout at Wadala’, claiming that certain elements in the flick are too bold and provocative, which is not in keeping with the religious sentiments of Muslims. “They found the ‘Laila’ song, that features Sunny Leone, and the lovemaking scene between John (Abraham) and Kangana (Ranaut) too provocative for audiences in Pakistan,” a source said. However, Balaji Motion Pictures is still hopeful that the film will sooner or later release across the border. “We have been informed that the Censor Board objected to certain portions. The authorities are reviewing it,” says Tanuj Garg, chief executive officer of Balaji Motion Pictures, said. On the other hand, the cast and crew of the movie have something to celebrate – the box office collections on the movie on its opening day. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to Twitter to announce the successful opening of the movie. “#ShootoutAtWadala Fri 10.1 cr... Amongst the top openers of the year!” he tweeted. “#ShootoutAtWadala opens at No 11 position in UK. Despite 18 certificate by British censors. That says it all!” Taran tweeted. “Another surprise! #ShootoutAtWadala opens very well in USA too. Fri $ 55,000. Good start!” he added. ‘Shootout at Wadala’ - the sequel to the 2007 film ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ - is based on the book ‘Dongri to Dubai’ and revolves around the first ever registered encounter by Mumbai police in which gangster Manya Surve was shot dead at the junction next to Dr. Ambedkar college, Wadala, Mumbai on 11 January 1982. The film stars John Abraham, Kangna Ranaut, Anil Kapoor, Tusshar Kapoor, and Sonu Sood in lead roles.