LAHORE: The Punjab Censor Board has given the green light for the screening of the highly anticipated movie “Barbie” in cinemas across the province. Initially, the film was withdrawn from cinemas in Punjab due to alleged “pro-LGBT” content, shortly after its global release on July 21. The Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Amir Mir announced it.
The decision to review the movie was made by interim Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Following the review by the full board, the movie was cleared for screening after censoring objectionable content. The film will soon be released in cinemas across Punjab, as confirmed by the provincial minister.
“Barbie,” a fantasy-comedy film featuring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, has been a massive hit at the box office. It has grossed over $351 million in the US and Canada and nearly $775 million globally since its release. The film’s popularity has caused a frenzy among moviegoers worldwide. The theatres are filled with audiences dressed in pink to celebrate the iconic doll.a
Cinemas In Punjab Face A Dilemma To Play ‘Barbie’ Movie
Earlier, a wave of confusion enveloped the anticipated release of the Barbie film in Punjab, Pakistan. Speculation arose when news spread on social media that the movie had been banned in the region by the Punjab Film Censor Board, citing objectionable content, particularly related to LGBTQ themes. The announcement quickly gained traction, and Twitter was abuzz with discussions about the supposed ban.
According to the circulating tweets, the Punjab Film Censor Board had withheld the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Barbie. It led to assumptions of a complete ban on the movie’s screening in the province. In addition, internet searches revealed that major Lahore cinemas were not showing the film. This apparent absence of Barbie’s screening and the simultaneous screening of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer in the same theaters further fueled the speculations.
Outraged tweets flooded the platform, with users expressing their disbelief and disappointment. Some questioned the reasons behind the alleged ban. However, others sarcastically suggested that Oppenheimer should also be banned for its supposed “nudity.”
