Indian film association boycotts work until ‘blanket ban’ on all Pakistani artists, trade

Pakistan has once again banned the screening of Indian films and any other content in the country, as tensions between the two countries rise over the Indian Occupied Kashmir region. In response, All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have said they won't work till there is a complete on Pakistani artistes.

“Entire film industry and cine workers have refused to resume work till there is a complete ban of Pakistani movie makers, artists, and trade partner,” the statement reads by AICWA. They demanded strict ‘say no to Pakistan’ for trade and bilateral relations.

AICWA is demanding a blanket ban on Pakistani artists, diplomats and bilateral relations with Pakistan and its people. “In relation to Pakistani government banning Indian movies in Pakistan, AICWA urges all the film industries to put a complete stop to any association with Pakistani artists, musician, and diplomats,” the statement further reads, Hindustan Times reported.

Earlier this week, Firdous Ashiq Awan, an adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, said that no Indian content will be aired in Pakistan due to rising tension in Indian occupied Kashmir. “No Indian film will be screened in any Pakistani cinema. Drama, films and Indian content of this kind will be completely banned in Pakistan,” she said.

Apparently, many Indian celebs claim this move by Pakistani government doesn’t make any difference in India. Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, who had once done a cameo in the Pakistani film ‘Ishq Positive’ told IANS, "Pakistan banning Indian film is their loss not ours. But (revocation of) Article 370 is the best thing that could have happened in the last 72 years."

Indian filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said, “Firstly, I am not surprised because they already severed many other bilateral relationships. I am not surprised because they have to take a grand standing in front of their people because Article 370 has been abolished. The film industry has shown solidarity since Pulwama”.

“The Hindi film industry had stopped releasing films post Pulwama attack, as a show of solidarity to the defense services. This was never promoted or discussed on public platforms. The business of Indian films continues growing globally. The revocation of Article 370 was a bold and much-needed move. Any consequence arising from the decision is inconsequential," said actor Vidyut Jammwal