Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has spoken out about the controversial ban on the film ‘Verna,’ that has swept up a national debate. The film was banned by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Islamabad on the basis of not being suitable for a family audience and was claimed to be not decent enough, according to an official statement given to MangoBaaz. While director Shoaib Mansoor is yet to give a statement, protagonists Mahira Khan and Haroon Shahid responded to the ban as the film awaits a review by the full board.
A source has told MangoBaaz that the film was banned yesterday and is pending review
In an official statement by ‘Hum Films’ ” filmmaker Shoaib Mansoor has gone into appeal with censor board today for urgent relief for his film ‘Verna.’ The film will hopefully be reviewed by full board today and we are hoping that the full board will prevail.”
News has reached India too, and Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone spoke about the ban
The actress, who is currently promoting her upcoming venture ‘Padmavati’ spoke to BBC Asian Network about her film, before responding to her opinion on the ban of ‘Verna.’ She expressed how “it’s sad that a small section of people don’t understand the power of cinema and what it can do to the world.” Deepika also emphasized how cinema really can change mindsets and how it “brings people together, spreads love” and how it must be recognized.
"It's sad that a small section of people don't understand the power of cinema." @deepikapadukone speaks out about the controversy surrounding the release of #Padmavati. @iharoonrashid also asks her about @themahirakhan's #Verna which is facing issues. pic.twitter.com/IwwjYMGM4u
— BBC Asian Network (@bbcasiannetwork) November 14, 2017
Deepika’s comments were supported by fans who blamed the injustice done by the censor board
Some took this opportunity to laud Mahira
While others expressed their dismay over such profound sexism in cinema
Fellow actors too have spoken out regarding the ban, calling it unjust
#Verna should be lauded for its content and for shedding light on the problem, not be silenced and banned. #ReleaseVerna
— Ali Rehman Khan (@alirehmankhan) November 14, 2017
What a shame when it comes to discussing real issues,censor board has no teeth. Rape is real Misogyny is real Power corrupts #Verna #getreal
— adnanmalik (@adnanmalik) November 15, 2017
As have politicians…
This is too bad. Sindh censor had passed #Verna @TheMahiraKhan https://t.co/tkv8E4Au8g
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) November 14, 2017
And journalists too, all condemning the ban
Shoaib Mansoor's movie, "Varna" is not about "Rape Scenes", its about police & FIA manipulating evidence & legal system to exonerate the influential rapist; its an "art product" that holds mirror to the system of injustice in Pakistan; should it be banned? Why?
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) November 15, 2017
What are your thoughts on Deepika standing up in support of Mahira Khan?