Ek Tha Tiger - Broadcast blocked in Pakistan

Pure official intolerance is the perfect word for this. Just because the movie trailer has reference of both ISI and RAW, the Pakistan censor board has asked the broadcaster to stop the premiere of Ek Tha Tiger to be aired. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed all satellite channels and distribution networks to refrain from airing its promos of the film till an NOC is obtained from the censor board of Pakistan.

PEMRA in its letter states, "The film's content is reportedly based on the activities of ISI and RAW. The basic theme of the film revolves around the ISI with the objective to tarnish the image of the state-owned institution."

Yashraj Films vice-president (marketing and communication) Rafiq Gangjee said, "Unfortunately, possibly owing to certain films in the past having shown the country in a bad light, we are having to pay the price with our theatrical trailer of 'Ek Tha Tiger' being restrained in Pakistan."

The film's director Kabir Khan adds, "It is because of the jingoistic films on Pak-bashing that our film is suffering. Just because there is a mention of the ISI this problem has occurred."

Gangjee justifies, "If you see the body of work of both Yash Raj Films and Salman Khan, you will appreciate that we would never go down this route."

Khan said adding, "EK Tha Tiger is not an anti-Pak film and the mention of RAW and ISI in the film does not mean we are showing them in a negative light.'' He adds, "Unlike the last film 'Agent Vinod' which was banned and had direct mention of the names of senior ISI officials, there is a just a reference."

Amjad Rashid, distributor of the film in Pakistan, is not worried. He said, "I knew the teaser of the film would face problems because of the reference but the trailer of the film which we have sent for the censor has no problem. There is a huge demand for the film in Pakistan and territories have been sold at double the price of any other Bollywood film." Rashid is he is expecting the film to collect Rs 10 crore. He said, "It will be screened in 35 places across Pakistan which is huge and three cinema halls in Faisalabad, Islamabad and Karachi will open with Ek Tha Tiger.''

Gangjee said, "We will follow the law of the land and seek an official censor by showing the film to the authorities at the appropriate time. We are confident that there will be no issues." The censor board of Pakistan has yet to receive an application from the distributor for clearance of the film.

Censor board chief Shahnawaz Noon said, "The film promos have yet to be cleared by us. Apart from just mention about a Pakistani character or government we also look at the context in which it has been used. We will decide on the film once it is submitted to us."

As said by TOI, in this era of free downloads and broadband speeds how effective will a ban be? Is it just to make this issue political? only time will speak.

Unknown

- Unknown Updated at: Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Katrina's Looks for ETT still stuns many

Katrina Kaif may have been absent for the trailer or even the digital posters, but what a time to appear as her poster still is in much demand by the audience and it has already 1 lakh hits and counting within 4 days of its release. The poster shows the carved and sizzling style of Katrina and the fans are eagerly waiting on the trailer which does have the actress in action. The title line on the poster says it all "THE GIRL WHO TAMED  TIGER".

The movie had its first trailer released last month and it was a super hit and it seems that audience love to see Salman Khan, in action sequels. Salman plays the role of 'Tiger' an agent in the intelligence services for India. The story still revolves around the secret agents and the untold stories about their fights for the country.

Katrina is said to be busy in Phunket with watersports as she has to chisel her looks for upcoming movie Dhoom 3 opposite Aamir Khan. She also has the much anticipated Yash Raj project with Shahrukh Khan. Ek Tha Tiger is an Eid release.

The synopsis of the movie says "In the dark world of intelligence and espionage, there are shadows without faces, and faces without names. Governments fight shadow battles through these soldiers of the unknown. Battles have no rules, no limits. Nobody on the outside knows what goes on in these secret organizations. All information is guarded in the name of National security. But some stories escape the fiercely guarded classified files. Stories that become legends. This is a film about one such story, a story that is spoken about only in hushed whispers… a story that shook the very foundation of this dark world. But, like all reports that come out of this uncertain world, nobody will ever confirm those events. It may or may not have happened."

So the tiger will be on its prowl pretty soon!

Unknown

- Unknown Updated at: Tuesday, June 12, 2012

No ETT is not anti Pak - Kabir Khan

The mentions of RAW and ISI, the fight scenes across the border line, the killings of Pakistan ISI agents, one could easily figure it out as a cliche story of fight between Pakistan and India. We are discussing the promo of 'Ek Tha Tiger', the Salman Khan starrer, the movie has already created a buzz as there has been millions of views over youtube. The common opinion that the viewers have is that the movie is anti-Pakistan one! 

Despite of numerous attempts by director Kabir Khan to let the audience know otherwise, the general impression about the movie is already set. He has finally took it to the media to clarify his movie and he says ""I have been getting lots of comments from people thinking ETT is anti Pak. Let me say this once & for all, No ETT is not anti Pak,". Kabir Khan who is joining hands with Salman Khan in Ek Tha Tiger, claims it to be an action-romantic-thriller movie and has less talks about anti-Pak issues.

Overwhelmed by the response, Kabir informs that the film will be a total entertainment for Salman fans. He himself watched the first teaser at the theatre to check out audience response. 

"I spent 15 days on just the sound design of the teaser but in the theatre there was so much screaming & shouting that I couldn't hear a thing. Salman is very happy with the tremendous response," he says, smiling. 

Kabir Khan who is known for his controversial subjects be it in 'Kabul Express' or 'New York' has a mightier platform with Yash Raj producing the movie and Salman Khan, to act in as the title role 'Tiger'. The movie is produced at a budget of Rs. 32crore and will be starring Katrina Kaif opposite Salman Khan as 'Zoya'. 

Insider rumor: The role was said to be offered to Shahrukh Khan, but it seems that Yash Raj's did not feel that SRK will fit into the role and this was offered to Salman Khan instead. However Kabir Khan has denied this fact and says he had offered a different script to Shahrukh!

Lets wait on the movie to see more!

Unknown

- Unknown Updated at: Friday, May 18, 2012