Punjab Nai Jaongi: Barbie Still Banned in Punjab

The Punjab government has created a roadblock for the screening of the highly-anticipated Hollywood movie Barbie in the province, even though the Punjab Film Censor Board issued a no objection certificate (NOC) for the film.

The movie, which made its box-office debut in parts of Asia on July 21, faced a setback when it was stopped in theatres across Punjab due to alleged ‘objectionable’ content.

Let’s delve into the details surrounding this contentious issue.

Censor Board’s Initial Approval and Amendments

The Punjab Film Censor Board initially granted approval for Barbie’s screening after a preliminary review. However, during the assessment, the board deemed the movie to contain ‘objectionable’ content.

To address the concerns, the board promptly requested the removal of the contentious material. Distributors complied with the request, and the board granted permission for the movie’s screening in the province.

Punjab Government’s Intervention

Surprisingly, despite the Censor Board’s clearance, the Punjab government stepped in and prevented the screening of Barbie.

The exact reasons for the government’s interference have not been explicitly stated, but it seems to be based on public complaints.

Ali Nawaz Malik, Punjab Information Secretary, affirmed that the government took this decision in response to these complaints.

Raids and Refunds

Following the government’s directive, district administration and police conducted raids at theatres where Barbie was scheduled to be screened.

The movie was halted abruptly, leading to inconvenience for the audience, who had already purchased tickets.

As a result, theatres had no choice but to refund the ticket costs.

Delayed Review Process

The government had raised concerns about the ‘objectionable’ content and had requested that the movie be edited accordingly.

In response, the movie’s producers sent a copy to a studio in Dubai for review and editing.

However, the edited version had not been received back yet at the time of reporting, contributing to the ongoing screening ban.

Film Distribution Association’s Stand

Chaudhry Kamran, Chairman of the Film Distribution Association, expressed disappointment over the ban.

He revealed that the film had received NOC from censor boards in other parts of the country and federal government jurisdiction areas. He assured that once the edited version is received, the film would be allowed to screen in Punjab as well.

6. Positive Reception and Global Success

Barbie, a fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, received positive reviews globally.

With a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 81 per cent rating on Meta Critic, it promises to be a box-office success. The movie is projected to earn a whopping $100 million from US theatres during its opening weekend.

It is worth noting that Vietnam had previously banned the movie from cinemas due to scenes featuring a map showing China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.

This incident has added to the movie’s international controversies.

Final thoughts

Despite obtaining a no objection certificate from the Punjab Film Censor Board and making amendments to address ‘objectionable’ content, the screening of Hollywood movie Barbie remains on hold in the Punjab province due to the government’s intervention.

As the movie continues to be screened successfully in other parts of the country and internationally, audiences in Punjab eagerly await a resolution that would allow them to enjoy the fantasy comedy on the big screen.

FAQs

Why did Pakistan ban Barbie?

Pakistan’s decision to ban Barbie was reportedly influenced by the film’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes.

As a result, Islamabad has taken the ban under consideration, while the Censor Board in Punjab province has already temporarily banned the movie due to perceived ‘objectionable’ content.

What age is Barbie safe for?

The original Barbie fashion dolls are deemed safe for children aged 3 and up. The age range recommendation ensures that young children can enjoy and play with these dolls safely.

Who was the first Barbie to wear a hijab?

The Barbie to wear a hijab was launched by Mattel and was based on the likeness of Olympic athlete Ibtihaj Muhammad. This historic Barbie doll marked the brand’s first-ever release featuring a hijab as part of its attire.

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