While ‘PadMan’ BANNED in Pakistan, #PadManChallenge finds a way across the border

Akshay Kumar-starrer ‘PadMan’ has hit the screens, and is winning hearts across the nation, for its well-intentioned attempt to remove the taboo surrounding menstruation.

Only if you have madness, you can achieve greatness. Watch #ThePadManSong here: https://t.co/ValvGlOIti @akshaykumar @sonamakapoor @radhika_apte @mrsfunnybones @SonyPicsIndia @kriarj #RBalki @ZeeMusicCompany @ItsAmitTrivedi @MikaSingh @KausarMunir #PadMan pic.twitter.com/4n9UjfHBkz

— Pad Man (@PadManTheFilm) December 28, 2017

The story is based on the life of real-life PadMan Arunachalam Muruganantham, who invented low-cost sanitary napkins for the woman in his village, and was even honoured on national and international levels for the same, though after many difficulties.

Image Source - Twitter

However, even though there have been certain reservations regarding the movie’s content, in a democracy like India, it has been welcomed with open arms. The same cannot be said of the neighbouring country Pakistan, where it has been banned. Yes, that’s what has happened.

An idea of a stubborn innovator who didn't stop at anything and changed the world. Watch the #PadManTrailer: https://t.co/QEMtPfs5i1 @akshaykumar @sonamakapoor @radhika_apte @mrsfunnybones @SonyPicsIndia @kriarj #RBalki pic.twitter.com/24gKhguM4g

— Pad Man (@PadManTheFilm) December 19, 2017

According to Pakistani daily The Express Tribune, the distributers are not ready to screen the film, and upon their request, even the board of the country has refused to watch the movie or grant it a certificate, citing that the movie is against Islamic traditions and culture.

Sources reveal that all the movie posters were removed from the cinema halls after the screening had been denied.

A senior member of Punjab Film Censor Board revealed, “Earlier there was an issue with Padmaavat and the members are facing criticism for issuing it a certificate already. In such circumstances, we cannot allow a film whose name, subject and story are not acceptable yet in our society. Central Censor Board also raised objections on the scenes and dialogues of the films that are very sensitive.”

However, the ban has not discouraged the people of Pakistan to send their love for the movie. Ammara Ahmad, eminent Pakistani write and journalist took the #PadManChallenge gallantly, stating that probably the people in Pakistan Censor Board don’t think that Pak woman menstruate and probably that’s why they banned the movie.

#PadManChallenge from Lahore, Pakistan. #PadMan @PadManTheFilm @sonamakapoor @mrsfunnybones @akshaykumar #LahoreDiar https://t.co/eNFk3PBK9O

— Ammara Ahmad (@ammarawrites) February 10, 2018

Well, we would have really loved to see our neighbours joining hands for this brave movie. Let’s wait and watch for more updates on this.

Kadambari Srivastava

Grammar Nazi, word weaver, dreamer, bibliophile, technophile, caffeine addict, foodie, shuttling shopaholic! Mash it in a Bollywood recipe and voila! Pushpa, you’ve got her!