Pakistan Bans ‘Happy Bhag Jayegi’ Over Jinnah Portrait

What would Pahlaj Nihalani say, we wonder!

A still from Happy Bhag Jayegi. 

After the Indian censor board, it’s the turn of Pakistan. The Pakistani Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) has banned Happy Bhag Jayegi - a cross-border love story because it shows a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the father of the nation. The film stars Abhay Deol, Diana Penty and Jimmy Shergill and has been directed by Mudassar Aziz.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the film had in fact received a green signal earlier.

The censor board of Pakistan saw the film and they loved it. They wanted us to cut a minor part of the film. We agreed to it.... Initially, I was told that the film is clean. Later, we were informed that a ministry in Pakistan had objected to the film. As a filmmaker, the only greed I have is that the movie should reach a larger audience. The political reason, for which a film is banned, has nothing to do with the common man.

Aanand L. Rai, Producer

The censor board also had an issue with the Pakistani policeman’s character, played by Piyush Mishra.

The board did not provide a particular reason, but a unanimous ban was issued.

Aanand L. Rai, Producer

(Source: Hindustan Times)