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Has Verna been banned by the Central Board of Film Censors?

Has Verna been banned by the Central Board of Film Censors?

Industry insiders suggest that the film has been banned, but CBFC Chairman says the decision is yet to be made
Updated 14 Nov, 2017

Shoaib Mansoor's much-awaited film Verna has reportedly been banned by the Central Board of Film Censors, according to industry insiders. The CBFC regulates film screenings in Islamabad and cantonment areas across the country.

However, while speaking to Images, CBFC Chairman Mobashir Hasan said that the fate of the film "has yet to be decided".

"As of now, the final decisions [about Verna] is yet to be taken as per Censorship of Film Rules 1980," he said.

According to Shoaib Mansoor's official press statement, the director has appealed to the CBFC "for the urgent relief of Verna." The film is expected to be reviewed by the full board today and the Verna team is hopeful for a decision in the film's favour.

After Khuda Ke Liye and Bol, Verna is Shoaib Mansoor's third feature film, in which he continues his exploration of Pakistan's social ills with a story of a rape survivor's quest for justice. The trailer suggests that the film implicates politicians and other influential people in the cover-up of the rape that occurs.

The film stars Mahira Khan, Haroon Shahid and Zarrar Khan in main roles.

As news spread of the reported ban, fans on Twitter started to express their displeasure:

Verna is scheduled to release this Friday.

Comments

isha Nov 14, 2017 11:39am
Islamabad censor board is an embarrassment for the people of the city . the people of the islamabad DONOT live in stone age . they had no objection to pink the movie but are offended by verna.
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Majid Nov 14, 2017 11:40am
This is outrageous. Even a sham democracy like ours was supposed to act like it people's government. This is equivalent of government to be hand in gloves with those running our deep state.
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SOMEONE Nov 14, 2017 12:13pm
Pakistan is struggling with major identity crisis and forced subjugation of women. Banning a film which highlights such issues is only a way by which males can continue their domination over females. Pakistan has NO islamic values over last 70 years and banning a film which shows something which is happening in Pakistan is childish to say the least. We will never ever grow.
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anum Nov 14, 2017 12:18pm
Pak Censor Board won't ban a film in which women are slapped and murdered and take it. Yes I'm referring to Chein Aye Na. But would ban a film in which a woman stands up for herself. So predictable. Need more women in this censor board.
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Faraz Nov 14, 2017 12:20pm
I would release it on Youtube! Uncut with an interview of what happened behind the scenes with the sensor board.
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zeeshan Nov 14, 2017 12:26pm
So you cant let go a film in which real face of politicians are shown.
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kashif Nov 14, 2017 12:50pm
Censor Board won't ban a film Like Ragini mms 2 featuring Sunny leone in the past and many others movies like that .
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shabkhez Nov 14, 2017 01:45pm
The censor board seems yet another corrupted depatment. Shoiab Mansoor will have to reschedule the budget to accomodate the unauthorised financial needs of censor board guys. Hard luck Pakistani,s, truly hard luck.
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shabkhez Nov 14, 2017 01:50pm
Truly hard luck for Pakistani,s if censor board dares to impose ban on Verna. Totally unacceptable from censor board.
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Jjacky Nov 14, 2017 03:44pm
Its just a marketing tactics so that movie gets emotional support from masses.
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EDRICH CAJETAN CALDEIRA Nov 14, 2017 07:01pm
Why we Pakistanis are afraid to raise our voices for our loved ones , Mothers, Sisters,Daughters, wives, where is CBFC brain to judge good and evil. if there are educated and respected people in CBFC and who are born from one father then they will do what our nation wants , to change our mentality and our people lives. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD.
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SAEED KHAN Nov 15, 2017 12:22am
it is a shame that such sensitive topic films are banned censor board should be changed with broad minded people
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banda Nov 16, 2017 09:51pm
@Jjacky I agree with you, people don't understand how the film business works.
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