Bollywood has been abuzz with the release of ‘PadMan’, a movie revolving around a man’s struggle to make basic menstrual hygiene accessible to as many women as possible.
Our very own Malala took part in the promotional campaign for the movie, as did many other celebrities.
Sadly, as of today the movie has been banned in Pakistan, and the way it’s been done is pretty bad.
The Punjab Censor Board says the film ‘ruins Islamic values’ and that the movie cannot for that very reason be played in Pakistan. According to a news story, the members of the censor board did not even WATCH THE MOVIE before reaching a decision about banning it or not.
The members were hesitant to watch the film as it covered matters relating to periods and menstrual hygiene.
WHAT EVEN
Pakistanis on Twitter were not happy by this move.
#PADMAN banned in #Pakistan. Why do we only support commercial films and not the other type of cinema? Menstruation isn't something to be ashamed of. And according to my knowledge, this films deals in an informative way to create awareness. #noshame #menstruation @akshaykumar
— Nabeel Tariq (@imNabeelTariq) February 10, 2018
Sarcasm ran wild
Tauba Tauba, How could anyone in this pure land be subjected to this? The holy man's wife don't bleed, the preachers woman don't ride the crimson tide, and the common fools mama was born menopausal. Shocking: ‘PadMan’ banned in Pakistanhttps://t.co/f7fxaWKnEJ
— S Q (@escue1) February 10, 2018
People were shocked at how messed up our priorities are
Punjab film board can't watch #Padman but will have no problem seeing lecherous men slobber over a haplessly objectified heroine. #ReleasePadman #WeirdPriorities https://t.co/goJOfEYStW
— Mahwash Ajaz (@mahwashajaz_) February 10, 2018
Many Pakistanis were looking forward to watching this unique movie
I was actually looking forward to #PadMan Thank you Pakistan and Pakistani MENtality. Thank you once again. God forbid we watch a movie addressing a natural, biological function that has to do with women.
— Shanza Anw (@ShanzaAnw) February 9, 2018
And ofcourse what discussion about censorship isn’t complete without mention of Padmavaat
Why #Padmaavat didn't ban in Pakistan who makes fun of Muslim hero now education film like #Padman ban in Pakistan censor board need to think what is right for over country
— Y A S I R (@Yasirhere) February 10, 2018
This ban is indicative of how we treat “taboo” topics
Banning #Padman in Pakistan proves that this country is run by hypocrites and uneducated morons. Not talking about an issue doesn't make it go away. And why is it even a taboo in the first place? We will never learn.
— Nowera (@micmicbungeee_) February 10, 2018
And it just seems like stuff is not getting better on this front
Women supporting the ban of #Padman in Pakistan just shows the lack of education and how they themselves aren't comfortable with their own biology. How do women hope for change to occur if they are so ashamed of talking about it themselves? Sad.
— Ali Hafeez (@_alihafeez) February 10, 2018
It’s just very discouraging how public discourse on certain issues is just NOT allowed in Pakistan. In a country where about half the population has periods, we cannot just pretend like it doesn’t happen or that it ‘ruins our faith’.
As one Twitter user said, this movie was meant to raise awareness about the issue of menstrual hygiene and health, it aimed to start discussion and educate those who watched it. Our censor board chose to ban that effort without even giving it a fair chance. The stigma around periods and pads really needs to end. Banning this movie just reinforces the current thinking around menstruation and it just seems like we’re stuck in a big cycle.
‘PadMan’ banned in Pakistan.
There are over 100 million women living in Pakistan…who all have periods.
Its normal.
Yet a movie addressing the issue is banned. ?https://t.co/oRJiR8hNbf— Sabbiyah Pervez (@SabbiyahPervez) February 10, 2018
What do you think about the ban on PadMan?