Bad news! Salman Khan-starrer ‘Tubelight’ will not release in Pakistan

Just a week is left for the release of Salman Khan-starrer ‘Tubelight’ and the fans are eagerly waiting for it to hit the screens. Certainly, the film holds high expectations. But, there’s a sad news for the fans of the superstar in the neighbouring country, Pakistan. Sadly, ‘Tubelight’ won’t be releasing there. The reason behind it is that no local distributor is willing to come forward and release the film in the country.

According to the President of the Indian Film Exporters Association, Hirachand Dand, local distributors in Pakistan are hesitant to acquire the film mainly to promote the uninterrupted release of two big local films scheduled for a release during Eid. The makers didn’t want any competition and especially from a big-budget Bollywood film like ‘Tubelight’.

Hirachand Dand has given a statement saying, “Salman has millions of fans in Pakistan and the filmmakers are in no mood to pitch their films against his. They are determined to protect the interests of their films instead.” [sic]

Few days back, reports were doing rounds that ‘Tubelight’ will be having a two-week late release in Pakistan. But, that possibility has also been ruled out now, due to price factor. Dand has stated that money has become a major point of contention as a film starring superstar Salman Khan is said to come with a hefty price tag in the Pakistan market.

However, Amar Butala, COO Salman Khan Films, while commenting on this has said, “Salman Khan Films is committed to taking ‘Tubelight’ to markets across the globe with our overseas distributors Yash Raj Films. Salman has a huge following in Pakistan, which has only grown with the positive messaging on ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’. We hope to release ‘Tubelight’ in Pakistan as well, and our efforts continue in that direction, but we respect the law of the land and judiciary if they decide otherwise.” [sic]

Sigh, we wish the film could have seen the light of the day, across the border.

‘Tubelight’ is directed by Kabir Khan and it is a war drama co-starring Sohail Khan, Zhu Zhu and child actor Matin Rey Tangu. The film is slated to hit the screens on June 23.

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.