Asim Abbasi’s web series Churails took off to a spectacular start when it first released on Zee5. Starring four fiercely strong and independent women in the lead, the series aimed to tackle the issue of patriarchy while also slamming gender-related stereotypes. It received critical as well as commercial acclaim, with many touting the show as the stepping stone for budding film-makers who wish to explore daring subjects. In an unfortunate turn of events, Churails has allegedly been taken down from the streaming site Zee5. Taking to Twitter, Abbasi posted, “How strange for #Churails to be lauded internationally, and now be shut down in its country of origin.”
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 continued, “In the very country where hundreds of artists came together to create something that could initiate dialogue and open doors for new narratives. 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. This is a loss for all actors, writers, directors and technicians across Pakistan, who were hoping for digital/OTT to be their saviour.” Calling it a home-run for misogynists, the Cake director added, “They have once again proven that they are the only voice that matters.”
This is disappointing and a huge step back for the Pakistani entertainment industry. Stop brushing real issues under the carpet. Stop glorifying domestic violence and normalising misogyny on TV. Stop restricting women from having a fair platform to be their unapologetic selves. https://t.co/QozBYHKQMR
— Haroon Rashid (@iHaroonRashid) October 7, 2020
Dramas like Meray paas tum ho are top rated in Pakistan but #Churails gets banned. Everything thought provoking gets banned as they feel threatened by critical thinkers.@IllicitusProduc you have done splendid job in portraying the realities of our society. @sarwatgilani https://t.co/F21JCWtsFi
— karima khan (@karimakhan14) October 7, 2020
Many prominent personalities took to the micro-blogging site to support Abbasi. Ace entertainment reporter and journalist Haroon Rashid tweeted, “This is disappointing and a huge step back for the Pakistani entertainment industry. Stop brushing real issues under the carpet. Stop glorifying domestic violence and normalising misogyny on TV. Stop restricting women from having a fair platform to be their unapologetic selves.” Echoing his sentiments, another user wrote, “Dramas like Meray Paas Tum Ho are top rated in Pakistan but #Churails gets banned. Everything thought provoking gets banned as they feel threatened by critical thinkers. @IllicitusProduc you have done a splendid job in portraying the realities of our society.”
Every Pakistani will tell you that Pakistan is suffering because of the brain drain that is happening for so long. Banning #Churails is a digital form of that.
Idr hr banda Ansar Abbasi ha… https://t.co/vdhNVTLytT— farooq rasheed (@Iam_Mfarooq) October 7, 2020
Sadly, not strange at all given where this country has been going. Members of the public are treated like children. Men are treated like beasts. Women are treated as nothing more than sexual objects. All forms of expression stifled. https://t.co/dnTL3WuekH
— Nida Kirmani (@NidaKirmani) October 7, 2020
This banning spree has gone completely out of hand. Sab kuch ban kardo. Women's health websites online, a biscuit ad and now this. https://t.co/wSbw3ncQyx
— Madeeha Syed (@madeehasyed) October 7, 2020
Another day in Pakistan https://t.co/xkd5tTPoZ5
— Shehzad Ghias Shaikh (@Shehzad89) October 7, 2020
http://thebrownidentity.com/2020/10/07/zaid-ali-t-shares-inspiring-message-for-couples-wanting-to-marry-at-a-young-age/
A furious user noted that such irrational steps reportedly taken by the Pakistani government are the main reason behind nation’s downfall. “Every Pakistani will tell you that Pakistan is suffering because of the brain drain that is happening for so long. Banning #Churails is a digital form of that.” A popular face in the entertainment circuit, Nida Kirmani lamented, “Sadly, not strange at all given where this country has been going. Members of the public are treated like children. Men are treated like beasts. Women are treated as nothing more than sexual objects. All forms of expression stifled.” A user named Madeeha Syed lashed out at the continuous banning of content in Pakistan, throwing shade at actor Mehwish Hayat’s recent biscuit ad which fell prey to countless trolling. “This banning spree has gone completely out of hand. Sab kuch ban kardo. Women’s health websites online, a biscuit ad and now this.” Shehzad Ghias Shaikh summed up his thoughts with, “Another day in Pakistan.”