Why 'Ek Tha Tiger' has been banned in Pakistan

Islamabad: Pakistan's Censor Board has banned Salman Khan's 'Ek Tha Tiger' for its depiction of Pakistani intelligence operatives, the second Bollywood film to suffer such a fate this year.

'Ek Tha Tiger' was scheduled for release around the time of Eid-ul-Fitr and was one of the most anticipated Indian films of the season. Muhammed Ashraf Gondal, vice-chairman of the Central Board of Film Censors, said the movie was 'problematic' for screening in Pakistan for its depiction of the country's security agencies.

"We have strict criteria due to which films that have themes that touch on anti-terrorism and are against Pakistan's national institutions or security agencies ultimately have to be censored because they are against the national interest," Gondal told The Express Tribune.

• 

  Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer 'Ek Tha Tiger' is one of the most awaited films of the year. Here are a few lesser known facts about the film...

• 

  Salman will be seen with his ex-girlfriend Katrina Kaif after four years. Their last film together was 'Yuvvraaj'. Many feel that the couple will attract more and more footfalls to theatres.

• 

  Director Kabir Khan claims that everyone will get to see Katrina Kaif's acting potential in the film.

• 

  Before turning to feature film, Kabir Khan was known as a fearless documentary filmmaker. After 'Kabul Express' and 'New York', its his third film with Yash Raj Films.

• 

  After three back-to-back hits, Salman Khan is at the peak of his career in Bollywood but the actor says it is a dangerous place to be in as one does not know what to do next.

• 

  In his 24-year-old career in Bollywood, it is for the first time that he has teamed up with Yash Raj Films.

• 

  Director Kabir Khan says that Salman Khan is a legend in the film. He wrote the script with Salman in mind and there is nobody else who can play Tiger better than him.

• 

  The film revolves around Tiger, a rugged, handsome and mysterious bachelor, played by Salman, who is a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer.

• 

  He is sent on a safe mission to Dublin, Ireland, to observe an Indian origin scientist who is suspected of sharing his research findings with the Pakistan defence establishment.

• 

  He attempts to meet the scientist but is not successful. He then tries to befriend the scientist's part-time home caretaker, Zoya (Katrina). As Tiger begins to get closer to Zoya, he discovers his human side and for the first time in his life he falls in love.

• 

  What follows is a tumultuous journey that Tiger and Zoya embark upon, battling the dark world of intelligence that forbids its soldiers from falling in love.

images

Ek Tha Tiger

"'Ek Tha Tiger' has several themes referring to Pakistan's agencies, which were deemed problematic, thus leading to the ban of the film," he said. According to media reports, Katrina Kaif plays the role of a Pakistani spy posing as a scientist's part-time home caretaker in 'Ek Tha Tiger'. Salman Khan plays a RAW agent who falls in love with Kaif's character.

Pakistan's media regulator had earlier barred TV channels from airing the trailer, promos and reviews of 'Ek Tha Tiger'. It is the second Bollywood film to be banned this year for its depiction of Pakistani intelligence operatives, the first being Saif Ali Khan's 'Agent Vinod'.

Asim Quresh, CEO of Brand TV and Cinema, said the ban was bad for business. "'Ek Tha Tiger' would have smashed Bodyguard s box office record in Pakistan. In the history of Pakistani cinema, Eid has been the most celebrated slot, since the biggest releases are scheduled for this time," he said.

Also See

• Salman's fans have given him the best Eidi: Sohail
• 'Ek Tha Tiger' will not be released in Pakistan
• 'Ek Tha Tiger' earns Rs 32.92 crore on 1st day

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)