Pakistan censor board clarifies that MS Dhoni: The Untold Story is not banned in the country

Mobashir Hasan, Pakistan’s Central Board of Film Censors’ (CBFC) Chairperson, has cleared all anxiety surrounding the release of MS Dhoni’s biopic, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, saying that no such decision to ban the movie was ever taken. According to a spokesperson of the country’s censor board, the movie is all set to be released in the theatres this Friday in Pakistan.

“How can we ban a film that’s not been submitted for certification? The local distributors have not even applied for the NoC of the film. We certify every film keeping Pakistan’s integrity, security and sovereignty in mind. As per our rules and regulations, we try our best to take every decision on merit,” reported the Mobashir Hasan, as per The Express Tribune.

It seemed that the increasing tension between neighbours India and Pakistan would result in having a bad effect on the Pakistan film industry as reports began to emerge that the MS Dhoni’s biopic has been banned in Pakistan by the distributors.

It was reported that the decision not to screen Indian movies was a reaction to MNS’ ultimatum to the Pakistani actors to move out of the country. However, everything now seems to be normal.

Also, read – Ringing the Eden Bell will be a special moment for me: Kapil Dev

On asking if the board had received any specific instructions about any Indian film, Hasan replied “So far nothing has been communicated to us. We are working as per normal routine. Only last week, we approved ‘Banjo’ without suggesting a single cut, giving it a Universal rating.”

Sindh Board of Film Censors Secretary Razzaq Khuhawar echoed the sentiments.

“The Indian media is portraying it wrongly. We believe in competition as it helps improve the quality of Pakistani films as well. We haven’t been instructed to ban or censor films in the context of the hostile situation.”

“We certified ‘Banjo’ last week with a ‘U’ rating but the audience didn’t like the film and it’s gradually being removed from screens. That’s the audience’s choice, not ours. We have not been directed to restrict any film,” said Sindh Board of Film Censors Secretary Razzaq Khuhawar.

M.S Dhoni: The Untold Story is going to hit theatres on Friday.