After an emotional odyssey the past few days, what with the censor board banning Shoaib Mansoor’s ‘Verna’ and a subsequent outcry of outrage across the country, the film has at long last released across all provinces (excluding Punjab). The stars of the film expressed their dismay at how cinema depicting real issues was being unjustly and unlawfully suppressed. Mahira Khan and Haroon Shahid’s film didn’t have a premiere either – the Lahore one was canceled by the Censor Board. However, all’s well that ends well (not entirely so, but a great start nonetheless), with the film gracing screens today.
Mahira took to Twitter to close of this emotional saga with an incredibly inspiring tweet
She summed up the past few traumatic days and stated how ‘powerful artists are, not those in power.’ She quoted the film’s song ‘Power Di Game’ and declared the lyrical importance of the melody – ‘in this game of power – we will always win.’
Tonight I realize how powerful artists are, not those in power. We are. Why else do we get banned? Why else do our films pose a threat to them? In this game of power – we will always win. Art/love/truth always does! #PowerDiGame #verna
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) November 16, 2017
WE ARE SO INSPIRED IT’S NOT EVEN FUNNY
AND WE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES
No doubts. This threat lead to this ban! Art will win no matter what. Today or tomorrow it is always going to be a winner.#Verna
— Sh (@Shreyasisinha6) November 16, 2017
The power of art really does trump everything
Really Sarah did the battle in movie against the system and You/Shoaib Sir and Team #Verna did it in real..Salute to you guys #Respect Team #Verna
— Imran Khan #Verna Today (@imran_vk) November 16, 2017
Freedom of expression on a visual medium is precisely what we need in this country…
Artists will always win. ..!! Many Wishes !! INSHAAALLAH #Verna will win ….
Our country don't tolerate the truth what's happening in the society …. bs banned Krna ata idiots ko…! Good luck !! ?
Power di game Hai …!— ✨§✨ (@sidk24) November 16, 2017
Because in such a belittling society and in such dire times, it’s the only way to bring about change
More power to you! #Verna
— Faiza (@varun_faiza) November 16, 2017
Fans have supported Mahira throughout the entire national debacle
I love how you're so positive despite all the shit going on. More power to you.. Keep going girl, and eventually, this movie, its powerful message, and everyone who worked their heads off for it are gonna be the real winners. InShaAllah!
— Anzaa. (@Anzaa__) November 16, 2017
And have expressed that art is the premise of peace (we agree)!
Art is love, art is truth, art is peace and art is everything
— Mehtab Hussain (@Ozghaarphotos) November 16, 2017
Many wished Mahira luck on her film’s release
Best of Luck to the Queen Artist Mahira Khan. You are the Sunshine Voice of Pakistan and Women around the world. #Verna is coming near you Mahirians. ? Get ready.
— Samina Rashid (@krazysamina1) November 16, 2017
Fans across the border were well-wishers too
Luv u mahira,we miss u in india
— Ramiz Raja (@RamizRa98322177) November 16, 2017
And others poured out their love for the actress
You are the star which will never fade ? lots of love to you #Verna
— Deep Basu (@deepbasu1) November 16, 2017
A few did not wish to stay hushed throughout it all, and spark change
ME AND MY FRIENDS HAVE DECIDED TO SWAMP THE CINEMAS AND TELL OUR SHIT GOVT THAT RAPE IS A TOPIC TO BE ADDRESSED!
— MinahilKhan (@MinahilKhan99) November 17, 2017
ME AND MY FRIENDS HAVE DECIDED TO SWAMP THE CINEMAS AND TELL OUR SHIT GOVT THAT RAPE IS A TOPIC TO BE ADDRESSED!
— MinahilKhan (@MinahilKhan99) November 17, 2017
Pakistanis have vowed to stand by her through thick and thin
We r with u
— Moony?? (@MoonSulaiman) November 17, 2017
You shall reach the heights of success, as i said we r with u love…! Go #Verna ?
— Prithvi Raj. N (@Iam_PRNK) November 16, 2017
And others summed up everything we’re feeling, honestly Mahira – what an inspiration
most things on the internet are overrated. except for mahira khan. she's incredible
— i. (@psychedliqz) November 16, 2017
What do you think about Mahira’s inspiring tweet?