“Happy Bhaag Jayegi”, the Diana Penty and Abhay Deol starrer is doing very good at the box-office. People have loved the storyline and the acting skills of Abhay, Diana and Jimmy.
In spite of all this, Pakistan Government put a ban on this film in the country. Mudassar Aziz, the director of the movie was pretty shocked with this ban.
He wanted a valid explanation for the ban and hence, he addressed an open letter to Pakistan Board of directors. Through this letter, Aziz definitely pointed out some sensible and valid facts. Moreover, he also said that often people have a perception that Pakistan is ‘Lawless’ and doesn’t have enough freedom of choice. He assured it would change after watching the movie.
Have a look at his open letter;
I am the writer/director of the Indian film Happy Bhag Jayegi speaking!!! Are you listening?! Oh sorry, last I checked (when my film was slated to release in your country) you obviously don’t listen, or see, or even feel. So let me speak without you listening yet another time
I 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 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!
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.
Thank you but no thank you.
The hell, Mr In-Charge in Pakistan (whoever you are) it’s about time you gave a reason. And i know you’ll be yelling from rooftops saying you’re not answerable to me! So don’t give me the reason… Give the common man of Pakistan your reason. Because you’re bloody well answerable to him.
Thank you but no thank you.
MUDASSAR AZIZ
Proud Indian.
Writer/Director
Happy Bhag Jayegi- The film that dared to show the nicety and affection of a common Pakistani. Something that you seem to want to hide!”
So basically he challenged them to show the movie to a Pakistani. He guaranteed that none of them would find it offensive. So guys, what do you have to say about this? Do let us know your thoughts in our comments section below!