After a long battle with the censor boards, Shoaib Mansoor’s Verna has been allowed to be released nationwide by the Information Ministry, according to the latest reports.
Speaking to a private media news outlet, lead actress Mahira Khan said that Marriyam Aurangzeb stood with them against the censor board to grant Verna permission to be released in Punjab.
#Headlines: @Marriyum_A has stood with us against the censor board to let #Verna released in #Punjab as well, says @TheMahiraKhan
Watch #DunyaNews live here: https://t.co/bxIZLEEoxU pic.twitter.com/oDvWuQO505
— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) November 17, 2017
Earlier in the day, the Central Board of Film Censors Chairman Mobashir Hasan confirmed to a private media outlet that the CBFC has passed Verna “without any cuts or mutes”.
He said, “It is confirmed that film Verna has been declared suitable and fit for public exhibition. CBFC has issued censor certificate to the producer. CBFC has regulatory jurisdiction [over] cinema houses located in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and those located in the cantonment areas across the country.”
#Verna has been granted “U”Censor Certificate by #CBFC @PakistaniFilms1 @PakistaniCinema @DanyalGilani pic.twitter.com/KYzNuTdjB0
— Mobashir Hasan (@BABUCRATE) November 17, 2017
According to Hum Films’ PR representatives, the film will screen in Sindh, Islamabad and cantonment areas across the country, but awaits a No Objection Certificate in Punjab.
Amidst the controversy, the film’s team had to cancel all the movie premiers and the lead actors took to social media to address their thoughts and views.
Tonight I realize how powerful artists are, not those in power. We are. Why else do we get banned? Why else do our films pose a threat to them? In this game of power – we will always win. Art/love/truth always does! #PowerDiGame #verna
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) November 16, 2017
Ban #Verna #senseless PC: @fayyazahmed
A post shared by Haroon Shahid (@haroonshahidofficial) on Nov 16, 2017 at 4:10am PST
However, the movie has released in the UK, USA and Canada as per schedule.