Salman's 'Ek Tha Tiger' banned in Pakistan?

Pakistan has held its cable operators back from screening promos and reviews of the forthcoming Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif starrer Ek Tha Tiger till a no-objection certificate has been issued by the Central Board of Film Censors. Reason? The movie has been interpreted as a way to stain ISI's image.

Going by the letter which was issued by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, to all satellite TV channels and cable networks last week, "Ek Tha Tiger", is "reportedly based on the activities of ISI and RAW". The letter also read, "Besides, basic theme of the story revolves around Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency with the objective to tarnish the image of state owned institution." "The matter should be given utmost preference and due care be ensured to uphold the country's image and any unintentional lapse in this regard be avoided," the letter added.
The film revolves around Salman, who essays the role of a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent, who goes to Pakistan to keep a tab on a college professor's activities, who is believed to sell missile technology secrets to Pakistan. In May, director Kabir Khan had mentioned that what the viewers have deduced after watching the promos is not right. He had said, "I have been getting lots of comments from people thinking ETT is anti Pak. Let me say this once & for all, No ETT is not anti Pak."

Movie buffs who have been awaiting the movie's release gave mixed reactions when we asked them how they perceived Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority's decision.

Nalini Mehra, DU student: "Our neighboring country has the right to ban/show Indian movies. If they think the film is anti Pakistan, there is nothing much we can do."

Kapil Gupta, MBA aspirant: "Why should this decision shock anyone? Haven't we seen similar actions been taken in the past too?"

Jayshree Sharma, HR professional: "We are elated the movie is releasing in India. Isn't that sufficient?"

Prateek Kumar, student: "I'm only concerned about movie buffs across the border."

Interestingly, users have also been using Twitter to put across their thoughts. Honey Chugh ?@PoP_OyE feels releasing a movie in Pakistan doesn't make much difference. He tweeted, "People crying over #EkThaTiger being banned in Pakistan,whats dere to worry about?Pak is a very small market,hardly makes any difference !" $ KhaleeD $ ?@beingkhaled was taken aback when he read the news. And his tweet, "Why #EkThaTiger promos are banned in Pakistan? :D There is nothing against Pakistan in the film. Then why so?" suggests his perspective.