Dawn Images

Salman Khan's Tubelight has been a contentious film in Pakistan.

There's been word that Pakistani producers have tried to stall the release of the Kabir Khan directorial to protect the business interests of the local films releasing this Eid, namely the Shaan-starrer Yalghaar and Sohail Khan's Shor Sharaba.

There was also word that director Kabir Khan and producer/lead star Salman Khan have said that if Tubelight is not allowed to release in Pakistan on Eid, it may as well not release at all.

Also read: Kabir Khan is in Karachi! Here's what he had to say

In a press conference in Dubai yesterday, where Tubelight's 'Radio Song' was unveiled, Kabir Khan is said to have cleared the air regarding the film's uncertain release in Pakistan.

"I don’t think one should react or respond to hearsay," he began.

According to Bollywood Life, he clarified that Tubelight can have a later release in Pakistan if need be: "We have not been told by any Pakistani producers or anyone from Pakistan about our film. Yes, I have heard there have been murmurs about our film essentially so that…may be some producers feel they have a better chance at the box office without a film over there. But if they feel some of their films have to be nurtured more, we can come there later as well."

Read more: ‘Pakistan can be Bollywood’s biggest territory,’ says Kabir Khan

He concluded with a few words of appreciation for the Pakistani audience: "At the end we feel that our film should be enjoyed and consumed by people in Pakistan because they are great fans of Salman Khan. More than the box office, we have got a lot of love from them for Bajrangi Bhaijaan. We hope to do the same with Tubelight this time.”

Tubelight's official release date is 23 June.