Over the weekend, there was a massive social media brouhaha as the news of Akshay Kumar’s Bollywood movie ‘PadMan’ been banned in Pakistan hit the internet. And as expected, all hell broke loose on Twitter!
Based on menstruation, the movie did not get a green signal from the nation’s censor board while it will be hitting the cinemas in as many as 50 countries worldwide.
However, the Pakistan Government has stated on its official handle that the matter of Padman’s release in theaters is still yet to be decided
The decision to issue an NOC by the Ministry of Information Broadcasting National History and Literary Heritage is yet to be taken on the release of a foreign feature film "Padman" as the film has not yet been pre-viewed by the Central Board of Film Censors. pic.twitter.com/NExGsWGV8M
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) February 11, 2018
Meanwhile, Pakistani celebrities are taking to Twitter to raise their voice against the ban on the movie. The issue was bound to irk many starlets and they did not shy away to criticize the idea of barring its release.
Sanam Saeed was among the first actresses who expressed her disappointment over PadMan ban.
A man changed the lives of women across India, he made them aware of their unhygienic practices. He found a way to provide them with affordable sanitary napkins. But let’s not share that story because it has something to do with #MenstrualHygiene. Tobah! # padman #menstrualman
— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) February 10, 2018
However, it was Armeena Rana khan who ignited a social media storm by boldly slamming the decision
Periods. What’s the big deal people? 🤔The entire female population gets them including mother, sisters and daughters. They are as natural as the changing of the seasons. Let’s not make a big deal out of it. No need to ban films. They happen. Period.
— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) February 11, 2018
The Janaan beauty’s argument was bound to offend many!
You guide them through the subject in an appropriate manner. If it’s your son then fine, if it’s someone else’s child, it’s the parents job. Sex is something completely different and you cannot equate the two. Completely different things! https://t.co/G2X8dE6l1f
— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) February 11, 2018
Nevertheless, she addressed every keyboard warrior who believed such a topic should remain tabooed in Pakistan.
Why? Let’s stop making movies on shaadi and relationships and anything at all then because we already know about things. right? https://t.co/jptX5c8ZJT
— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) February 11, 2018
Apart from the entertainment fraternity, female Pakistani journalists too extended their support towards Padman.
Yes, Pakistani Women menstruate too. I support #Padman and menstrual hygiene. Ban on @PadManTheFilm in Pakistan is senseless. Release it now. pic.twitter.com/KpsTL6Rc3a
— Ammara Ahmad (@ammarawrites) February 10, 2018
Dear Sir, the film #Padman has been released internationally. Your decision-making is embarrassingly slow. Why should a film about menstrual hygein & cheap sanitary napkins denied a release or delayed? Pakistan deserves to become a part of this conversation on reproductive health https://t.co/tTzZTDvIg7
— Ammara Ahmad (@ammarawrites) February 11, 2018
"Against our traditions & culture" Oh well, coz women don't menstruate here… What stupid people sitting at Censor Board ! #PadMan must be allowed in Pakistan ! https://t.co/S7PUfBV9ak
— Gharidah Farooqi (@GFarooqi) February 10, 2018
Banning PadMan in Pakistan is another one of those illogical things that simply affect the business of cinemas in Pakistan.
Menstruation is a fact of life, and bringing it to mainstream consciousness is neither immoral nor un-Islamic.— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) February 10, 2018
Starring Akshay Kumar, Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor, the film is inspired by the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a Tamil Nadu social activist who introduced low-cost sanitary pads to villages in India.
As per reports, the final verdict on the movie’s release will be revealed today. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and stay tuned to this space for further updates.
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