Pakistan suspends Zindagi Tamasha film release after Islamist political party raises objection
Pakistan suspends Zindagi Tamasha film release after Islamist political party raises objection
Zindagi Tamasha directed by Pakistani filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat has landed in controversy after the Islamist political party protested against the film story. As of now, the Pakistani government has suspended the release of an award-winning film in the country.
The party said the film ‘might lead people to deviate from Islam and the prophet,’ with officials warning screening it could lead to unrest.
The film of Khoosat is based on the story about a man who was shunned after a video of him dancing at a wedding function goes viral.
Because of the uproar against the film, the filmmaker Khoosat also shared an open letter on his Instagram and wrote that he will not release the film. In his open letter, Khoosat said he was contemplating not releasing the movie after getting bullied and threat calls.
Sarmad also said he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments.
"Don't spew hate, fear, and anger in the name of religion," Sarmad Khoosat wrote.
The controversy over the film showed the deep divisions in Pakistan society on the basis of religion.
A spokesperson from Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) said in local media that film content was ‘blasphemous’.