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Updated 27 Apr, 2016

In a blink-and-you'll miss it move last night, the Sindh government decided to ban the film Maalik and then revoked that notice all in the space of a few hours.

We learned the culture ministry had drafted a notification ordering a ban on the movie for being ‘biased’ and inciting violence. However, before it was formally issued, CM Shah intervened and asked the ministry not to issue it as it would be ‘against the freedom of expression’.

Maalik is not exactly a mainstream movie; it features no big-ticket actors. It has also been dismissed by some as nationalistic propaganda. But that didn't stop the ban-or-not-to-ban debate from creating a stir on social media, where even politicians like Bilawal Bhutto jumped in with their two cents.

Two opposing hashtags began trending shortly after news of the ban broke: #BanMaalik and #IStandWithMaalik.

Maalik stars director Ashir Azeem as Major Asad, a former SSG Commando who now runs a private security company. A school teacher (Ehteshamuddin) sees the rise of his corrupt feudal lord (Hassan Niazi) to Chief Minister. When Major Asad's company is hired to protect the CM, the story takes an interesting turn.

Some people accused the film of being establishment propaganda and therefore deserving of a ban. The film's actor-director Ashir Azeem begged to differ.

Bilawal Bhutto claimed the movie encouraged 'ethnic racism' — to which the director also responded.

Mostly, people took issue with a scene in the film where Asher Azeem's character kills the standing Chief Minister, calling it an example of supporting vigilantism that deserves condemnation, especially in light of Salman Taseer's murder.

Some people said the film was bad, period

Others thought a ban was overkill, even if you disagreed with the content

Comments

IceSoul Apr 27, 2016 05:13pm
Don't like the film or its content one bit, but calling for a ban goes against every principle of freedom.
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joop Apr 27, 2016 05:27pm
Noo need to over react on this movie.... whenever our core issues are being discussed that movie/ play is getting banned.... just condemn this type of mentality and feudalism and family politics IF YOU REALLY NEED TO CONDEMN ANYTHING. ISTANDWITHMAALIK#
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maani Apr 27, 2016 05:28pm
Great Movie..... Great Story.... well done
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Aamer Apr 27, 2016 05:38pm
I am waiting for the movie to realse in uk and usa.
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Adeel Apr 27, 2016 05:49pm
corrupt politicians scared as soon as they see themselves in the movie and result ban on the movie because they all scared what if someone does the same to them , if you are not corrupt why are you worried on the first place.
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Omair Apr 27, 2016 05:52pm
Ban all super hero movies like batman because they promote vigilante justice
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50 Shades of Khaki Apr 27, 2016 05:56pm
Why do we overact to bad films which would have died their natural death on the box within a few days anyway?
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Asim Malik Apr 27, 2016 06:21pm
One should not hide away from that facts that the governance system and politics should change with the time. Pakistan system and its old political hierarchy don't want to accept the reality and a positive change towards progress. Unearthing worms in every thing is the favorite sports of few who don't want to embrace changes,
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Dr Riffat Jabeen Apr 27, 2016 07:14pm
Some realities are hard to digest....nothing else. They start taking it personally....
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nnnn Apr 27, 2016 07:25pm
democracy also doesn't encourage being corrupt and exploiting people in every respect as did by the cm character in the movie maalik; don't be that callous please; aashir azeem, you have done well; bravo!
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yasmen lekhany Apr 27, 2016 07:29pm
Watch the movie before making a decision. The so called 'vigilantes' encourage criminals go to the police. The security officer turns himself over as well - a testament to the superiority of the justice system and how much Malik respects it. The films characters are CONFLICTED as they try to determine what to do. Perhaps the first non - preachy truly meaningful patriotic film non war - mongering film.
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Ahmad Ismail Apr 27, 2016 07:54pm
I have seen the movie. Its about real issues and provided the aesthetic maturity of Pakistani cinema, its not less than 8/10 film in my opinion. Furthermore, the movie has the concept of surrender because the main character actually confesses his murder and gives in to the law, which doesn't comply with vigilantism.
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bkt Apr 27, 2016 07:56pm
The best way to make a bad movie into a hit is to ban it.
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hero Apr 27, 2016 08:05pm
everyone has right of expression. this is the reality !!!
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Naxalite Apr 27, 2016 08:22pm
I support Ashir Azeem and Malik, PERIOD.
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Imran Khan Apr 27, 2016 08:27pm
The CM who was killed by Guard was corrupt to the core, are you guys who are banning it trying to say, WE ARE CORRUPT TOO AND WE ARE AFRAID.
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Atif Apr 27, 2016 08:31pm
How can we vote for the question posed at the end of the article above when we can't even have the chance to watch it?
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Neelofur Apr 27, 2016 08:34pm
Why our government is over reacting? Its just a movie showing some corrupt politicians. Our politicians are innocent, they should stay calm and chill like they are doing from ages ;)
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Pakistani Apr 27, 2016 08:35pm
Wow, Mr Bilawal Zardari is reacting this way, is he seeing his future. Do not worry, you will not have any issue as long as you will not follow your PARTY LEADERSHIP foot step
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Umar khan Apr 27, 2016 08:51pm
i beleive in freedom of expresss you feeling and if they harm me i will try to improve by learning. In My Opinion All the politicians should together watch the movie . Bann is not the solution. politician must see what they doing wrong and why they paying.
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Hassan Malik Apr 27, 2016 09:58pm
Movies should not be banned! it is against the freedom of expression and spirit of democracy every person has right to have a different opinion.
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Ali Apr 27, 2016 10:39pm
So what even if it promotes vigilante justice? Well stop investing on cinema if you can't give them freedom of expression. Hollywood has produced lots of movies promoting whatnot but they don't get banned.
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Peace Apr 27, 2016 10:58pm
What about our Punjabi movies where a hero most likely from either a Gujjar or Jatt family destroy entire police station?
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Eht Apr 28, 2016 12:18am
Well done Asher Azeem, shame to our intolerant society.
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Azfar Apr 28, 2016 12:37am
And we criticize Dictators, two faced democracy.
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Ahsan Apr 28, 2016 12:38am
This isn't an issue for the government to intervene directly. Why did the censor board pass the film if it had objectionable material? This is what happens when you don't have independent institutions. Although i'm in support of freedom of expression but inciting violence and showing vigilante justice as heroic is condemn-able and should not be allowed specially in a polarized society such as ours.
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Ahmed Apr 28, 2016 12:53am
According to our religion " the one who Kills an innocent is like the one who kills humanity"...now you are making us believe that the message from a movie is stronger than the message of religion! Where is freedom of expression, freedom of speech... I am waiting for all those moderate voices... Civil society...
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Syed Rizvi Apr 28, 2016 02:50am
Regardless of the contents, the ban shows how insecure the Sindh Govt. feels which had been criticized for its extreme corruption and nepotism.
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Raja Zafran Apr 28, 2016 03:07am
I think trailer isn't enough to comment. Watch the complete movie n then comment.
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Pragmatist Apr 28, 2016 03:33am
Banning the film has made it more desirable to watch. I will look forward for it on a DVD or Youtube with all its original content. I will only then decide about its merit. I do not trust the Pakistani government at all.
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Asif Rehmani Apr 28, 2016 05:28am
these corrupt politicians are seeing themselves in the movie, if you guys have courage then ban london has fallen which shows terrorist roaming in Pakistan, and the biggest terrorist is pakistani and the last scene shown Quaid's pic on the wall at the time of drone attack.... ban this show some patriotism
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Syed Apr 28, 2016 06:32am
#IStandWithMaalik
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JM Apr 28, 2016 06:40am
Maalik is a well made and thought provoking movie. It exposes the true face of personal and institutional corruption in our daily lives. We as a nation must watch such movies to face our reality and understand how much wrong is taking place in our society. Furthermore, it shows how much of a disgusting role our corrupt politicians play to destroy human values, respect and dignity. I congratulate Ashar Azeem for making a great movie. Long Live Pskistan Armed Forces. Pakistan Zindabad!
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Conffused Apr 28, 2016 07:20am
Does any one remember the book by Salman Rushdie called Satanic Verses ? It was a badly written book, without any thought given to the plot or the setting or verbosity. Myself or many of the folks, that I know, would have not read the book, if not for the fame or notoriety given to it by the so called vigilantes, and it would have died by itself, without ever being prominent. And I regret wasting my time reading it. This film is being given fame by its detractors for nothing. Let it die out peacefully, if you don't like it.
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wasim Apr 28, 2016 08:24am
Can't have an american film in Pakistan?
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Ali Abbas Apr 28, 2016 08:44am
The only reason behind the ban is, movie's media partners are ARY.
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Omrna Apr 28, 2016 08:57am
What the government is afraid of, i am not sure, every day we see more lawlessness and killing on Breaking news every second on our TV's then MAALIK can show in 3 hours...
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Omar Apr 28, 2016 09:25am
Such hypocrisy and feudal mind set of our leader has brought us where we are today. Ban a movie because it promotes vigilantism, ban education because it inspires awareness, stop justice because it threatens democracy and the status quo. PATHETIC to say the least!
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sherjeel Apr 28, 2016 09:56am
when feudal lord children get freed after crime than every one knows which justice prevail and this is only a movie , a dream.
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maani Apr 28, 2016 10:03am
Ashir YOU are the Star.....As we could not Remove the Memories of "Dhuwaan" from our Mind despite being so much time elapsed and your script has captured our minds for decades. The Currupt politician would ban it but, in the heart of the people the "MALIK " would be the Block Buster.... and we pray and wish the ban should be lift from the "MALIK".
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Wiqas Apr 28, 2016 10:19am
While in Pakistan we are already watching all sorts of violent, anti - state movies. Why to ban this one. Is this not banning freedom of expression? ISTANDWITHMAALIK#.
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itrat khaliq Apr 28, 2016 10:38am
YEAH, they can watch all indian movies based on vigilantism , They can watch super heroes movies who are actually nothing but vigilante but If someone from pakistan makes this kind of movie , it gets banned , what a sheer hypocrisy!!!!
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Srinivasulu Mekala Apr 28, 2016 10:42am
Probably it would have died naturally but for this contravercy.
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LIBRA11 Apr 28, 2016 10:53am
Not seen Maalik but vigilante aptly to hit hard unless empowered ignore to hear the hue and cry of the masses as well as and injustices prevailing in society.
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Wasif Apr 28, 2016 11:12am
vigilante justice!!!! seriously we are worried about the spread of vigilante justice? hello everyone have you already forgotten the episode of vigilante justice that eventually lead to the incredible breakthrough of our nation developing anti-aircraft chappals??? We need more vigilante justice so that before the end of current govt's term we would have developed and deployed anti-aircraft "spit balls".
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Request Aashir Apr 28, 2016 11:46am
May I request Aashir Azeem to upload it to youtube with out any delay. No matter it would be a financial loss for you but masses now want to see this movie.
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Aamer Apr 28, 2016 11:55am
It’s a shame, but it proves the power of cinema; way back in the 90’s there was a film made by Iqbal Kashmiri called ‘Sarak’ staring Mohsin Khan, Babar Ali and Sultan Rahi. In which a politician was portrayed as a villain who rapes and kills the hero’s sister played by an actress called Roop. But at that time no one raised any issue or banned the movie. The reason was at that time no one took the film industry seriously. With the improvement of film industry today and the good quality of productions every one took notice of ‘Maalik’. I am eager to see this movie now.
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Karim Mombani Apr 28, 2016 12:08pm
Whatever the film proposes, it does not matter!!! A movie is a movie and it is for entertainment only..... Why not ban the Horrible grass root movies featuring dangerous dance from Pakistani Heavy weight women........ The government needs to chill and give media and cinema its rightful space of entertaining people..............
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maani Apr 28, 2016 12:10pm
#IStandWithMaalik#
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Anam Apr 28, 2016 12:49pm
It was an amazing movie!! Corrupt Politicians scared of a film. Ban your corruption instead of banning the film!
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Syed Naeem Apr 28, 2016 01:01pm
AFTER MEETING WITH KABIR KHAN IN KARACHI MEMBERS OF SENSOR BOARD IMPOSED BAN ON MAALIK!!! #ISTANDWITHMAALIK....
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Ali Touseef Apr 28, 2016 01:03pm
Maalik is true and bitter reality of Pakistan cliche politics, anyway i stand with Maalik..
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Khan Apr 28, 2016 01:06pm
If Politicians disagree and don't like how corruption is exposed in he move. I think because they do corruption the same way and feel move is to expose them. well politicians you already are exposed. get lost from Paksitan
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Xeneb Ahsan Apr 28, 2016 03:01pm
No connection with salman taseer's case whatsoever Its just a favourable turn of events for the guard to look like someone else did it. Its a fiction and we've all been witnessing it since chilhood in movie industries around the globe under the umbrella of "GREATER GOOD". The CM had it coming and thats the message Simple Feel for people who fail to interpret
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Ghalib Hussain Apr 28, 2016 04:51pm
These corrupt politicians do not want to see their true face through this movie. I not not requesting but saying in rough tone that MAALIK MOVIE must be allowed for general public. I can use the words idiots for their action. Vulgar movie are freely allowed but Patriotic movies have not meaning for them.
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The Wrong Wong Apr 28, 2016 04:56pm
Here is a though,,, as bad as it may be..makes me wonder, what this country would look like if one day,, all the guards, of all the politicians just shot their bosses dead. Lets face it, there are millions of starving in this land of the pure,, who would love to see that happen.
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Khan waliti Apr 28, 2016 05:09pm
I just woke up from my slumber......, so this movie asks the people to kill corrupt politicians who the people voted to represent thier rights who instead scoundred the people's money in the absence of an independent judiciary and police.....hmmmmmm
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Fawad Apr 28, 2016 10:28pm
Batman also promotes Vigilante justice and so does all the action subject matter movies from Hollywood and Bollywood and Lollywood ...... ban them all :)
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Ali Apr 28, 2016 11:48pm
So what even if it does !
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Muneeb Ali Apr 29, 2016 01:06am
i was planning to watch it, but now it's banned. As the movie is produced by Pakistanis so i think it should not be banned by authorities once it has been released.
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Rameez Siddiqi Apr 29, 2016 05:39am
Oh 3 weeks it was released ? Didnt know about it :/ ..... Now that it is banned I will surely watch it somewhere :) .... In simple words THANKYOU for promoting what you didnt want people to watch (and not many people were aware of the movie, thus saving marketing costs for the production house)
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abdul saboor Apr 29, 2016 09:05am
well i don't say how the movie is but there should be freedom of expression. What type of democracy is this? These idiots even can't bear a film against them, Which i am sure would be right. #ISTANDWITHMAALIK
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JM Apr 29, 2016 04:15pm
Maalik is a thought provoking movie. It exposes the true face of corruption in our daily lives. We as a nation must watch such movies to face this reality and realize how much wrong is taking place in our society. It shows how much of a disgusting role some of our corrupt politicians play to destroy human values, respect and dignity. I congratulate Ashar Azim for making a great movie. Long Live Pskistan Armed Forces. Pakistan Zindabad!
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Pakistani Apr 29, 2016 05:36pm
I want to watch it. Don't care about controversies. Just enjoy yaar.
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Vinod Narang Apr 29, 2016 06:22pm
@Omair They will never ban that because if they ban that United States will stop giving billions od dollars that disappear in their off shore accounts
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Muhammad Khalid Apr 30, 2016 01:25am
Weldon Hashir Azeem.......
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