In what comes as a shock and disappointment for the film and television industry is the banning of Asim Abbasi’s critically acclaimed Churails which was aired on Zee5. The web series was made inaccessible for the Pakistani audience after a clip from the show went viral on Twitter this week. In the clip that went viral, veteran actor Hina Khawaja Bayat’s character Sherry speaking explicitly about the sexual favours she had to give in exchange for job promotions.
The scene did not go down too well with netizens who claimed that “such dialogues” could “spread vulgarity” and demanded that instead of banning biscuit advertisements over “excusable” dance moves, such content should be removed. The internet was left divided after many argued that the scene depicted exactly the kind of favours that are expected of women in certain careers and professional fields. The series has since been banned from streaming in Pakistan altogether.
“It has not been blocked by PTA. Zee5 has removed it due to objections on the content from the public,” a PTA spokesperson said while speaking to a leading Pakistani daily. After the ban, the topic was trending across social media with a number of celebrities and the writer of the show coming out to speak against the ban of the series.
“How strange for Churails to be lauded internationally and now be shut down in its country of origin,” Asim Abbasi wrote in a tweet.
How strange for #Churails to be lauded internationally, and now be shut down in its country of origin. In the very country where hundreds of artists came together to create something that could initiate dialogue and open doors for new narratives. (1)
— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) October 7, 2020
He went on to add, “Artistic freedom squashed because it is wrongly perceived by some as a moral threat. Predictable, and yet, still disappointing. For this is not just my loss. This is a loss for women and marginalised communities that this show meant to re-represent.”
Artistic freedom squashed because it is wrongly perceived by some as a moral threat. Predictable, and yet, still disappointing. For this is not just my loss. This is a loss for women and marginalised communities that this show meant to re-represent. (2)
— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) October 7, 2020
Further, he went on to assert what a loss this was for actors, artists and directors in the country. “This is a loss for all actors, writers, directors and technicians across Pakistan, who were hoping for digital/OTT to be their saviour. And it’s a home-run for all the misogynists who have once again proven that they are the only voice that matters.
This is a loss for all actors, writers, directors and technicians across Pakistan, who were hoping for digital/OTT to be their saviour. And it's a home-run for all the misogynists who have once again proven that they are the only voice that matters. (3)
— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) October 7, 2020
A number of celebrities and artists went on to echo Asim Abbasi’s sentiments and took to Twitter to share their frustration and disappointment. Sanam Saeed is one actor who has been voicing her opinion on a number of topics and this just happens to be one of them. Referring to the ban on the Gala biscuit ad she penned, “Banning dancing ads, outspoken films and webseries will not end rape if that’s the agenda. Why are we riddled with such hypocrisy? Buss bandh darvaazon kay peechay ho sub. God forbid hamari bholi awaam influence na ho jai if we take creative liberty to be honest and open.”
Banning dancing ads, outspoken films and webseries will not end rape if that's the agenda. Why are we riddled with such hypocrisy? Buss bandh darvaazon kay peechay ho sub. God forbid hamari bholi awaam influence na ho jai if we take creative liberty to be honest and open.
— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) October 7, 2020
Actor Osman Khalid Butt too had a word or two to say about this. “Oh, you got Churails banned? Congratulations! Now please focus your outrage on the fact that police have failed to arrest the prime accused in the motorway rape incident,” he said.
Oh, you got Churails banned? Congratufuckinglations. Now please focus your outrage on the fact that police have failed to arrest the prime accused in the motorway rape incident.
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) October 7, 2020
Osman Khalid Butt was more than enraged and said in another tweet, “Popular Netflix searches in Pakistan: 365 Days – a top search since it came out, Dark Desire (also in the Top 10), Hot Girls Wanted, Newness – yeah I’m sure you’re all watching these for the plot.”
Popular Netflix searches in Pakistan: 365 Days – a top search since it came out, Dark Desire (also in the Top 10), Hot Girls Wanted, Newness – yeah I'm sure you're all watching these for the plot.
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) October 7, 2020
To further his argument he went on to say, “Only the Pakistani elite even know about streaming platforms, so only they are responsible for all this filth.. they don’t represent us, the majority who can’t even afford them,’ writes Mazhar, on his TWITTER FOR IPHONE.”
Anoushey Ashraf, another celebrity who isn’t afraid to hold back when it comes to speaking her mind took to Twitter and made her point. “Good or bad, #churails is a TV series. Those who don’t want to watch it don’t have to, but ‘banning’ freedom of expression and art is VERY regressive in 2020. Like banning anything has worked ever. If anything, I really want to see the series now. #PEMRAHoshMeinAao.”
Good or bad, #churails is a TV series. Those who don’t want to watch it don’t have to, but ‘banning’ freedom of expression and art is VERY regressive in 2020. Like banning anything has worked ever. If anything, I really want to see the series now. #PEMRAHoshMeinAao
— Anoushey Ashraf (@Anoushey_a) October 8, 2020
While sharing Asim Abbasi’s tweet, Mansha Pasha asserted that, “Unfortunately we are moving towards a Zia-esque time of Moral policing. Meanwhile the state silences journalists, runs after biscuit ads and begins its bans on OTT content. What started off as a causal critique by bloggers of what content should or shouldnt be on tv has now turned into full blown censorship. No more complaining and comparing our local productions to foreign. The industry cannot flourish with constant attempt to control, silence and subvert.”
Unfortunately we are moving towards a Zia-esque time of Moral policing. Meanwhile the state silences journalists, runs after biscuit ads and begins its bans on OTT content.
What started off as a causal critique by bloggers of what content should or shouldnt be on tv has now https://t.co/86aAm9i0FW— Mansha Pasha (@manshapasha) October 7, 2020
Sanam Saeed raises her voice on a number of issues haunting Pakistani society in this day and age
What are your thoughts on the banning of the web series? Tell us in the comments below.
