Bollywood

Why 'Pad Man' Is Not Showing In Pakistan

Darpan News Desk IANS, 13 Feb, 2018 01:36 PM

Indian actor Akshay Kumar's "Pad Man", a film highlighting awareness on menstrual hygiene, has not yet been released in Pakistan. But a senior official says it has not been denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for import into Pakistan.

"Pad Man" tells a story of a Arunachalam Muruganantham's journey to make affordable sanitary napkins. A section of the media have said that it has been banned in Pakistan due to its sensitive subject.

But Pakistan Censor Board chief Mobashir Hasan says the decision on NOC was yet to be taken as the film had not yet been "pre-viewed by the Central Board of Film Censors".

A statement, posted on Hasan's Twitter account and shared with IANS via a messaging app, read: "The decision to issue an NOC by the Ministry of Information Broadcasting National History and Literary Heritage is yet to be taken on the release of a foreign feature film 'Pad Man' as the film has not yet been pre-viewed by the ... Censors."

Periods. What’s the big deal people? 🤔The entire female population gets them including mother, sisters and daughters. They are as natural as the changing of the seasons. Let’s not make a big deal out of it. No need to ban films. They happen. Period.
— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) February 11, 2018

A man changed the lives of women across India, he made them aware of their unhygienic practices. He found a way to provide them with affordable sanitary napkins. But let’s not share that story because it has something to do with #MenstrualHygiene. Tobah! # padman #menstrualman
— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) February 10, 2018

A Pakistani media report said Pakistani film importers have come under attack over the Akshay Kumar-starrer on grounds of ruining Islamic traditions, history and culture.

Hasan then said: "The decision to grant NOC to the subject film will be based on the merit and criteria of the ... Censors, not vexatious, false and irresponsible political motives being created on various media platforms on the back of the film.

"It is advisable to maintain principles of integrity whilst making statements on any issues... Good values are the foundation upon which we will build a prosperous Pakistan, not upon a decision of releasing a solitary film," he added.

Directed by R. Balki, "Pad Man" is based on a short story from Twinkle Khanna's book "The Legend Of Lakshmi Prasad". It released in India, Russia, Ivory Coast and Iraq on Friday.

After Pakistan's Censorship board banned PadMan, women will be banned to bleed since the morality only allows Over Population but not personal hygiene.
Safai Nisf Imaan Hai? Noooo Neveerrr... #Padman
— Huda Bhurgri (@HBhurgri) February 11, 2018

Since its against Islamic teachings and culture, Pakistani women are planning to give up their Uteruses. Sanitary Napkin industries are also winding up to sell pads in countries where women can BLEED! #Padman #UnBanPadman
— Huda Bhurgri (@HBhurgri) February 11, 2018

Yes, Pakistani Women menstruate too. I support #Padman and menstrual hygiene. Ban on @PadManTheFilm in Pakistan is senseless. Release it now. pic.twitter.com/KpsTL6Rc3a
— Ammara Ahmad (@ammarawrites) February 10, 2018

Padman is banned in pakistan and im not even surprised. We like to ban every drama/movie which can raise awareness among people who think that topics like sexual abuse and menstrual hygiene are considered 'taboo' in our society.
— polar bears are dying (@naheinyaar) February 10, 2018

Dear Sir, the film #Padman has been released internationally. Your decision-making is embarrassingly slow. Why should a film about menstrual hygein & cheap sanitary napkins denied a release or delayed? Pakistan deserves to become a part of this conversation on reproductive health https://t.co/tTzZTDvIg7
— Ammara Ahmad (@ammarawrites) February 11, 2018

Banning padman in Pakistan just shows how we havent mentally progressed as a nation. Utterly disappointing.
— Amna Mazhar (@ozilinaa) February 10, 2018

Dear Censor Board of Pakistan
Yes! We #Pakistani women get our periods too! Every month we bleed, it's simple biology.

I condemn the ban on @PadManTheFilm in Pakistan!#IAmPadman #Padman #UnBan pic.twitter.com/mnrNLJkROC
— The Lodhi (@AnnamL0dhi) February 10, 2018