The first official trailer of Sonam Kapoor-starrer Neerja is out and the question on everyone’s mind is if the film will make it to Pakistani cinemas. The film is based on the courageous act of Pan Am flight attendant Neerja Bhanot, who sacrificed her life trying to save 360 passengers on the plane that was hijacked in Karachi, back in 1986.
Pakistan censor board has been notorious with the banning of Indian films that show Pakistan in a sensitive light in the recent past, and given that the tragic incident took place in Karachi, there is a big question mark on whether the film will see the light of day in Pakistan. However, actress Shabana Azmi, who will be seen playing Neerja’s mother in the film, feels it is highly unlikely that the film will not release in the country.
“It’s a rare occasion when a person is honoured by the US, India and Pakistan. There is no question of Pakistan taking it (the film) badly,” said Azmi at the press conference, according to Indian Express. Neerja Bhanot was not only conferred the Ashoka Chakra by India, posthumously, but was also honoured by the governments of Pakistan and the US. Neerja’s brother who was also present at the press conference made it a point to highlight the part that Pakistani government played. “Pakistan gave her the award much before India gave it. So, there would be no problems in releasing the movie in Pakistan,” he said.
Courtesy: NewsBytes (The News)
