‘Barbie’ Screening Halted In Pakistan; Know Why

Lahore: ‘Barbie’ the movie, based on the iconic doll, has set the cash registers ringing since its global release on July 21.

However, the Hollywood movie was halted in Pakistan’s Punjab province over “objectionable content.”

Some viewers posted on social media they were asked to get a refund for tickets as the movie stopped screening midway.

Screening was reportedly resumed in theatres after some dialogues were censored.

With Punjab Film Censor Board not issuing a No-Objection Certificate to the Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling starrer, reports of ‘Barbie’ being banned in Punjab province began circulating online.

Also Read: Perfect Casting, Visual Imagery & Humane Touch Make ‘Barbie’ A Standout Movie

The film was not being screened in major cinemas in Lahore, fuelling further speculation of a possible ban.

The Express Tribune reported, quoting sources, that ‘Barbie’ was not banned in Punjab province.

The censor board wanted four words “promoting homosexuality” to be beeped or cut out.

Once the local distributors agreed to make the modifications, censor board issued the requisite NOC.

Interestingly, ‘Barbie’ was running without any cuts in Sindh and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

Homosexuality is prohibited in Muslim-majority Pakistan, hence movies with LGBTQ+ content have to be exhibited with cuts by provincial censor boards.