News Desk |
Pakistani actor and social media activist, Hamza Ali Abbasi confronted an onslaught of criticism on social media following his tweet that condemned the ban on Akshay Kumar’s ‘Padman’ in Pakistan, promulgated by Federal Censorship Board.
Hamza Ali Abbasi, in his now controversial tweet declared that the decision of Censorship board was regressive. He brought under the radar the contrasting judgments of Film Censorship board on ‘Padmavat’ and ‘Padman’.
So our Censor Board allowed Padmavat which portrays Sultan Allaudin Khilji as a nymphomaniac barbarian & banned #Padman which gives much needed awareness abt menstrual hygiene! I am known as a wannabe Mullah & even i find it pathetic… Grow up Censor Board!
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) February 13, 2018
He questioned why a controversial movie like ‘Padmavat’ known for demonizing the character of a Muslim ruler, Alauddin Khilji is allowed for screening in comparison to ‘Padman’- a movie that propagates a constructive message of menstrual hygiene.
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Hamza Ali Abbasi wrote: “So our Censor Board allowed Padmaavat which portrays Sultan Allaudin Khilji as a nymphomaniac barbarian and banned #Padman which gives much-needed awareness about menstrual hygiene! I am known as a wannabe Mullah and even I find it pathetic.”
“Grow up Censor Board!” he added.
Do u think the section of women in need of awareness are cinema goers and can afford ticket?? Women who need an awareness are usually from that class where their only worry is to manage food ! First plz make sure they have basic amenities of life !! Btw quite lame tweet by u !!
— Erum (@EramAltaf19) February 13, 2018
See who’s blaming sensor board.The guy who did a supporting role in “Jawani Phir Nai Ani” the movie in which there were girls wearing bikinis and all those stuff which our sensor board should not allow in our movies but you didn’t blame them there.Think about it Mr HamzaAliAbbasi
— Dani (@DANI_KHAN507) February 14, 2018
His unintended comment polarized the netizen, one advocating the movie, while other condemning the movie. A group of commentators said the movie is intended to spread awareness among the rural women, when in fact they can’t afford the tickets to watch the movie in the cinema.
They further add that women that need this awareness belong to a class where their bigger priority is to manage food. Ensuring they have the basic amenties is what should be the state’s first duty.
Another Twitter user discussed the aesthetics of the religion. “This awareness can be spread by some other means too. Jab Islam main kuch cheezon ko hidden rakhne ka hukm hai tou wo hidden hi rehni chahiyen, (If a topic is frowned upon on Islam, then it should stay hidden.” Although, it is not clear where they got this information from.
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“The thing is not about portraying Sultan Alauddin. The thing is that our Censor Board bans every movie which spreads awareness that is much needed in our society! Even #Verna was banned and now #PadMan,” said another one.
In Pakistan, there exist two distinct sets of beliefs in the movie. Only time will tell if ‘Padman’ sees the light of the day in Pakistan.