Pakistani actress Mahira Khan’s upcoming film ‘Verna’ has reportedly been banned by Pakistan’s Censor Board for allegedly portraying rape and violence. In the film, Mahira plays a rape survivor who is out to seek justice. The film stars Mahira Khan and Haroon Shahid in leading roles. Produced by Shoaib Mansoor, the film was scheduled to release on November 17, 2017.
Mahira Khan in ‘Verna’ poster
While speaking to Images, Pakistan CBFC Chief Mobashir Hasan said, “We are looking into the ‘unanimous objections’ raised by a panel of CBFC on Verna after the preview under the relevant laws.”
He added, “The Board will review the decision if the producer files an appeal against the decision of the panel. If [there is no’ appeal from the producer then the decision of the panel will be final and implemented.” The website also quotes Mobashir Hasan as saying that ‘Verna’ team has 15 days to file an appeal, or else the Board’s decision will be final.
The report further states that according to ‘Verna’ producer Shoaib Mansoor’s official press statement, the director has appealed to the CBFC ‘for the urgent relief of Verna.’
The reports of Mahira Khan’s ‘Verna’ being banned has left people outraged. Twitter users took to the micro-blogging website to voice their opinion on the subject. Here are some reactions:
#Verna ban is preposterous, the movie is very timely IMO and banning it is a huge blow to our industry thats still trying to find its feet.
CBFC is repeatedly scaring potential movie producers from investing in quality content #futureseemsbleak
— Jawad Ali Khan (@Jawadaay) November 15, 2017
So according to the Censor Board having rape prevalent in your country is not a problem but talking about it is? How about banning the filth movies that objectify women instead of banning one that empowers them. This is insanity #Verna
— Laila (@fizakhawar) November 14, 2017
The ban on #Verna is itself a rape of growth of pakistani film industry, Authorities are banning the movie instead of controling the crime. I strongly condemn the act & m standing with @ShoManOfficial
I demand #Verna should be released on its release date
RT if u agree with me pic.twitter.com/SiiH5BkxrK
— Haseeb Ur Rehman (@ItsHaseeb_) November 14, 2017
Movies promoting violence against women are okay? e.g. #ChainAyeNa but #Verna is problematic because it talks about a ‘social taboo’ aka rape? If this is what’s happening at the censor board, it’s worrying. Also want to know how many female official members does the board have?
— Quratulain (@quratulain_s) November 14, 2017
I question to CBFC,
What message are you sending when you ban a film that stood up against violence?
You let the powerful win again.#Verna
— Aftab Iqbal (@_AftabIqbal) November 14, 2017
When they can’t bear the truth, they try to destroy it. Banning a movie like Verna is tantamount to destroying the truth. Truth be told as it. #Verna#VernaBanhttps://t.co/CVgRUZwlSY
— Muhammad Murad (@MuradKanrani) November 14, 2017
Ban on #Verna is imposed to make those powerful people happy who don’t want masses to know what they do to maintain their hold on public
— Khurram Zia Khan (@KhurramZiaKhan) November 14, 2017
So #Verna has been banned by the usual idiots on the Islamabad censor board who appar think topic (rape) should not be talked about. Was cleared by Sindh. Going into full board appeal today.
— Hasan Zaidi (@hyzaidi) November 14, 2017
Maybe it was banned for not having enough item songs, vulgar dialogues, and other cheap titillation. Such a mature content seems to have offended a few… #Verna
— LubNaa (@LubnaSabir1) November 14, 2017
Standup for #Verna
— Adeeb Ahmad (@adeeb_ahmad1) November 14, 2017
Its just stupid..Mahira Khan and Shoaib Mansoor are the two people reviving your film industry at Intl Level and you end up bringing them down again and again #Verna
— Imran Khan #Verna in 2 days (@imran_vk) November 15, 2017
Censor board can ban #Verna in Pakistan.
Bt they can’t stop d wave it hv already created.
— Cool Mahirian Mili (@CoolMiliSingh) November 15, 2017
Censor board can ban #Verna in Pakistan.
Bt they can’t stop d wave it hv already created.
— Cool Mahirian Mili (@CoolMiliSingh) November 15, 2017
#Verna is that movie of the year which has raised so many questions in the society even before the release
Just imagine what will happen if its seen by everyone ..Plz remove the ban
— Imran Khan #Verna in 2 days (@imran_vk) November 15, 2017
.@davidakaye#censorship in Pakistan touching heights. Censorship Board bans movie #Verna on the issue of rape. Perhaps they believe rapes are not crimes #VernaBan#FoE
— ھارÙÂ?ÙÂ? بÙÂ?ÙÂ?ÚÂ? (@advertbalcha) November 15, 2017
The speculated ban on #Verna has done exactly what the film makers wanted to do – people have started talking about rape & gender injustices. Power di game cannot silence people!
— Harinder (Heer) (@harinder_virk) November 15, 2017
In many rape cases the state turns a blind eye and sides with the rapist. #Verna is highlighting this very important issue #VernaBan
— Roshaneh Zafar (@RoshanehZafar) November 15, 2017
The cast & crew of #Verna must be proud. Only master pieces get banned in Pakistan. @TheMahiraKhan very proud of you and I hope you know regardless I’m watching this movie in cinema
— Shahbaz Taseer (@ShahbazTaseer) November 15, 2017
Parading women naked, raping 3 years old, raping women’s dead bodies is okay but the theme of film #Verna that is trying to address this issue is not ok. Are we a shamless nation. Uncut Verna shd b passed. @Razarumi@MaryamNSharif@Gulalai_Ismail
— Dr. Fouzia Saeed (@FouziaSaeed) November 15, 2017
#Verna banned cos a PM’s.son is shown as a rapist.. a pathetic move by censor board definitely..
On the other hand was just thinking
why our movie makers would never show an army captain raping a doctor somewhere in balochistan…?!
— Amira. Yunis (@ay_yunis) November 15, 2017
Ban on #verna needs to be lifted.Women can no longer be suppressed by power.These issues need to be talked about #UnbanVerna@TheMahiraKhan@HaroonsMusic@ShoManOfficial
— meher sharma (@mehersharma6) November 14, 2017
When they can’t bear the truth, they try to destroy it. Banning a movie like Verna is tantamount to destroying the truth. Truth be told as it. #Verna#VernaBanhttps://t.co/CVgRUZwlSY
— Muhammad Murad (@MuradKanrani) November 14, 2017
“#Verna is about violence against women. Did they expect Mahira to dance with Haroon in a wedding to raise awareness about this subject? Or do they honestly expect a film about violence against women to be shown without showing violence against women?” https://t.co/eu1t6rS2ld
— Mahwash Ajaz (@mahwashajaz_) November 14, 2017
what the hell is on the minds of these people banning #Verna and promoted content like Mehrunisa V Lub U? do they really want to progress? is this how you treat good content and a masterpiece. Team doesnt deserve this @TheMahiraKhan
— Imaginator Creations (@ImaginatorC) November 14, 2017
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