The fate of Sarmad Khoosat’s Zindagi Tamasha’s release in Pakistan is in jeopardy as the director is facing threats from a certain group. Zindagi Tamasha is an art film that touches subjects like gender stereotypes, queer behavior and certain political phenomena prevalent in society. The film has been cleared twice by the censor board.
In an open letter to Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan that Sarmad shared on social media he wrote, “I did not make, Zindagi Tamasha to hurt, offend or malign anyone. It’s a story about ‘good enough Muslim’-there was/is no mention of a sect party of a faction of any sort. Neither in a censored or uncensored version. If a bearded man is to be generically called a molvi then trust me this is/was a film about good molvi.”
He also added that ” as an artist, the last thing I’d ever want to achieve through my artistic expression is anarchy or hatred. No! that’s not an artist does or at least I don’t.”
The film’s trailer is not that much clear on the actual subject matters and keeps certain things mysterious. It shows that film roams around a reputable Naat Khwan in the inner city of Lahore whose vlog goes viral on social media and draws a reaction from certain factions on social media.
Will Zindagi Tamasha Release in Cinemas
While posting the letter on Twitter Sarmad stated that Getting dozens of threatening phone calls and msgs, should I withdraw Zindagi Tamasha?
The director also shared screenshots of threatening messages he received on social media.
Before this Sarmad has also shared an open letter to President of Pakistan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chief Justice of Pakistan and Information Minister of Pakistan complaining about how her movie was facing hindrances in way of release despite being cleared by the censor board.
Zindagi Tamasha has already been released internationally and it has won Kim Ji-Seok Award at Busan International Film Festival. The film has proved itself a critically acclaimed entertainment even before its release. Although it is not a commercial film it still promises to be entertaining enough to keep the audience glued to screens for its fabulous storyline and soundtrack.
Zindagi Tamasha stars Arif Hasan, Samia Mumtaz and emerging actor Eiman Anjum Salman in lead roles.
In Solidarity with Zindagi Tamasha
Artists, journalists, and people from different fields of life have shown their concern about growing intolerance in Pakistani society while sharing their support for Sarmad’s Zindagi Tamasha.
Eman Salman who is playing a major role in Zindagi Tamasha commented that it was tragic for a film that was made for Pakistani audience to not release in Pakistan.
Zindagi Tamasha was all set to release on January 24, 2020, untill it met such tragic circumstances.