The filmmaker wrote an open letter to those in charge of the censor board in Pakistan and wanted to make it known that they had no valid reason to ban it.
Happy Bhaag Jayegi Director, ‘Aziz’ wrote in the letter, “I have realised that this “perception” of lawlessness and lack of freedom of choice is untrue. Pakistan actually is a land of limitless potential and bright, eager minds. It left me pleasantly surprised.“
“In fact it seemed like I came back from a visit to the neighbours, just as neighbours should be!“
The ban came as a shock to the director, who claims there is nothing in the film to defame Pakistan but infact shows the positive side.
The director further said,
“The first ever film content that showed people on both sides of this seventy-year-old border as simple human beings with affection, honesty, love and their small shortcomings was found OFFENSIVE by you! Wow!“
The director challenges those in charge to actually show the film to the average Pakistani and see if they do find something offensive in the movie.
“I dare you to show Happy Bhag Jayegi to one common Pakistani. One who loves his family, strives for his daily bread, loves his cricket, loves his films and lives his life under the nonsensical garb that you force down his throat. Let that common smile-deprived Pakistani who is tired of being viewed as the only stranger in the world that has largely become one big melting pot today, come and tell you that he finds Happy Bhag Jayegi offensive, and I promise you that my apology note to you will be even longer than this letter.”
Happy Bhaag Jayegi, filmdirector, wants to know the reason for the ban, because after casting Pakistani actors Javed Sheikh and Momal Sheikh and showing good ties between the two countries, there should be a very strong reason to do so, a reason he cannot discover in his movie.
He ends his letter with a “Thank you but no thank you”.
Well, we hope that he gets his answer anytime soon!
