ISLAMABAD: Islamabad’s Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) waded into hot water last week due to its decision to halt the release of Shoaib Mansoor’s highly-anticipated film “Verna.” Fans are, however, celebrating as the Information Ministry announced the movie would be released across the country without any cuts in a statement made yesterday.
Starring Mahira Khan, Haroon Shahid, Zarrar Khan and Naimal Khawar, the film is a harrowing look at a rape survivor’s fight for justice against the perpetrator and the justice system itself.
Last week, board sited the rape scene as the reason behind its decision to ban the screening of the movie.
Many Twitter users took issue with the censor board suggesting the film was inappropriate for handling exactly what the subject matter of the film is. Supporters of the director, the stars in it and the film itself have taken to Twitter and began online campaigns to give the board a piece of their mind and insist the film be released.
This film seeks to not only highlight the gut-wrenching road to justice. Mansoor’s previous films “Bol” and “Khuda Ke Liye” also focus on the often unfair way culture, tradition and societal expectations stack up against women, particularly of Pakistan and Pakistani descent.
Central Board of Film Censors Chairman Mubashir Hasan confirmed CBFC passed Verna without any cuts or mutes.
"It is confirmed that film Verna has been declared suitable and fit for public exhibition. CBFC has issued censor certificate to the producer. CBFC has regulatory jurisdiction [over] cinema houses located in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and those located in the cantonment areas across the country," he said, according to Images.
Pakistani rape film ‘Verna’ wins out over censor board after tense battle
Pakistani rape film ‘Verna’ wins out over censor board after tense battle
