Calling Shah Rukh Khan‘s movie Raees as ‘anti-Muslim’, Pakistan’s censor board has banned Raees in Pakistan, having missed out on the film’s release and post-release in India, Mahira Khan was hoping to enjoy the film with the audience in Pakistan.
“The two Khans together (Shah Rukh and Mahira)… it means a lot to the audience here,” Mahira had excitedly said to me over the phone.
On Monday morning when Pakistan banned the film, PahlajNihalani said:
“What do they mean by saying Raees is anti-Muslim? Do they care more about the sensitivities of the community than we do? Let me remind them that there are more Muslims in India than in Pakistan. And we at the CBFC (Censor Board Of Film Certification) follow guidelines regarding the sensitivities of all communities very carefully. The protagonist in Raees is shown to be a Robin Hood. He helps the needy, works for the betterment of the poor, dislikes dishonesty and respects his country. More than all these factors, it is Shah Rukh Khan who plays Raees. Do Pakistan’s censors think a superstar of Shah Rukh’s stature would play an anti-Muslim character? Shah Rukh is always careful not to hurt anyone’s sentiments. The ban on Indian films had just been lifted by Pakistan’s government bringing relief to the movie theatres. Now the Pakistani censor board bans the biggest blockbuster of the season. I am sorry to say this won’t stop Pakistanis from seeing the film. They will watch the film on pirated videos and on the internet. They want to see their own Khan (Mahira) with King Khan. They can’t be stopped.”