Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) is going to review Zindagi Tamasha upon the request of the federal government to settle the dispute over its release.
The release of Sarmad Sultan Khoosat’s film, Zindagi Tamasha, scheduled to release on 24th January is delayed after religious party, Tehreek-I-Labbaik Pakistan, raised objections against the movie on social media accusing it of hurting religious sentiments.
The movie is temporarily barred from display despite clearance from three censor boards.
Dr. Firdaus Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to PM Khan, informed that the government will approach CII to review the movie to decide if the movie is suitable for screening.
Central Board of Film Certification has invited members of the Council of Islamic Ideology to review the film.
The Central Board of Film Censors notified the filmmakers not to release the film and decided to approach the Council of Islamic Ideology to deliberate over the matterhttps://t.co/GpZaOqvqU9
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) January 21, 2020
“We have reached out to CII following the aide’s tweet but are yet to set a time and day for the review meeting. Once that is finalized we will ask Sarmad Khoosat to bring his film for review,” said Daniyal Gilani, Chairman CBFC.
One of the members of the Council of Islamic Ideology informed a local media outlet that the movie will be reviewed according to the basic tenents of Islam.
He clarified his movie does not malign any particular sect, profession or religious leaders. ‘Zindagi Tamasha is an empathetic and heartfelt story of a bearded man who is so much more than just that’ wrote Khoosat in his open note
He said there are certain ways in which sacred spaces and structures such as mosques are to be portrayed. Also, the portrayal of Imams will be examined critically to ensure that Islamic values are not undermined. The review will ensure that an accurate picture of Islam is portrayed and nothing forbidden in the religion is glorified in the movie.
Khoosat’s heartfelt note
Recently, criticism by local elements deterred Khoosat to release the movie. Last week he posted a long note on his Twitter account and sought the advice of his fans on whether he should withdraw the release of the movie.
https://twitter.com/KhoosatSarmad/status/1218883372375838721
In a heartfelt note, Sarmad highlighted the hard work and determination with which he made the movie. He affirmed that he is using the entertainment platform to bring a positive change in the society which he would not have been able to if he became a bureaucrat, with hands tied, had he followed the advice of his teacher in GCU Lahore.
He regretted the demotivating comments from his friends who are goading to forgo his movie that took two years and all the savings of his career. Khoosat asserted that he will not thrash his movie over the opposition of a few elements.
Read more: Movie ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ gets support from Mahira Khan
He clarified his movie does not malign any particular sect, profession or religious leaders. ‘Zindagi Tamasha is an empathetic and heartfelt story of a bearded man who is so much more than just that’ wrote Khoosat in his open note.
While Zindagi Tamasha has become the first Pakistani movie to win an award at Busan International Film Festival South Korea, the two-and-half-minute trailer received criticism from people at home. The backlash delayed the release of the film that was scheduled for 24th January.
https://twitter.com/KhoosatSarmad/status/1217818381149229062
He called the attention of PM Khan towards the unprovoked criticism of Zindagi Tamasha hindering its release. In his note, he included that bullies are transgressing the legal authority of CBFC that has cleared the movie.
Perhaps, his letter to PM Khan alerted the information ministry to seek the advice of CII to resolve the dispute.