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Pakistan bans movie 'Joyland' after religious backlash
Deutsche Welle
15 Nov 2022, 11:25
The critically acclaimed film, and Pakistan's Oscar entry, came under pressure from religious leaders. Pakistani authorities have now prohibited its screening in cinemas.
Pakistan's authorities said Monday that they banned the movie "Joyland," a story about a man who falls in love with a transgender woman, from screening in cinemas.
Joyland has received top global awards, including the Queer Palm, which is the Cannes Film Festival's LGBTQ prize.
The movie also came away with rave reviews after it premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and the American Film Institute Festival.
"Joyland" was due to screen in theaters in Pakistan this week after authorities issued a screening certificate. But they later withdrew the permission after receiving complaints from religious leaders who deemed the movie objectionable.
While Pakistan's parliament broke ground in 2018 by passing a law to provide legal recognition to transgender persons, some conservative hardliners have lately been campaigning to take those rights away from people.
Pressure from religious group
The movie is Pakistan's official entry for the category of Best International Feature Film for Oscars 2023.
Directed by Saim Sadiq, the film tells the story of a young married man from a middle-class family who joins an erotic dance theater and falls in love with a transgender performer.
Pakistan's censor board said the movie had "highly objectionable material" after religious groups accused the movie of promoting homosexuality.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, a member of a religious political party who had campaigned against the release of the film, wrote on Twitter that he was relieved to hear about the ban. "Nothing un-Islamic can happen here," Ahmad added.
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Aishwarya's Video Went Viral Amid Divorce Rumors
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan are currently embroiled in controversy surrounding their marriage. With rumors of Aishwarya Rai living separately from her husband and reports of Abhishek Bachchan's alleged affair with Nimrat Kaur, every little thing that Bollywood's beloved couple does is grabbing headlines. Amid this, a hard-hitting video by Aishwarya Rai is going viral on social media in which the actress could be seen inspiring people to stand up for their own worth. The video is part of L'Oreal Paris' Stand Up Against Street Harassment Training Program.
In the video, Aishwarya Rai could be seen inspiring women to not fall prey to street harassment. "Street harassment, how to deal with it? Avoid eye contact? No. Look the problem directly in the eyes. Hold your head high. Feminine and feminist. My body, my worth. Never compromise your worth. Do not doubt yourself. Stand up for your worth. Don't blame your dress or your lipstick. Street harassment is never your fault," she said in the video promoting the campaign.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by AishwaryaRaiBachchan (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb)
Aishwarya Rai's video is going viral, especially amid growing rumors surrounding her divorce from Abhishek Bachchan. Recently, the actress again grabbed headlines as she shared photos from her daughter Aaradhya's birthday bash sans Bachchan family members, including her husband.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan's divorce rumors first started in July this year when the actress attended the high-profile event of Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani's son Anant Ambani's wedding with Radhika Merchant without the Bachchan family, arriving solo with her daughter Aaradhya.
Slumdog Millionaire Sequel in the Works, Developed by Bridge7
Bridge7, a Los Angeles-based production company, has secured the rights to produce a sequel and TV adaptation of the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. The company, co-founded by producer Swati Shetty and veteran CAA agent Grant Kessman, acquired the rights from UK-based Celador, the original producer of the 2008 hit alongside Film4.
This announcement brings exciting news for fans of the global sensation, which captivated audiences with its powerful story of hope, resilience, and destiny. Shetty and Kessman emphasized the enduring appeal of the film’s narrative in a statement.
“Some stories stay with us long after the credits roll, and Slumdog Millionaire is undoubtedly one of them. Its universal narrative transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. It’s the kind of story we cherish—one that merges entertainment with deep human experiences,” they said.
The sequel will build on the legacy of the original, exploring new themes while staying true to its core message. With Bridge7's dedication to meaningful storytelling, the project promises to evoke the same emotional impact that made the first film a cinematic classic.
Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting further details, including the storyline and cast.
Dhanush and Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth are Now Officially Divorced
Actor-director Dhanush and director Aishwarya Rajinikanth have finally been granted divorce by the Chennai family court on Wednesday, November 27.
The couple had a grand wedding in 2004, spending lavishly on the event. After being married for 18 years, they decided to part ways over irreconcilable differences. They have two sons, Yatra and Linga, and will continue to co-parent them.
Earlier this year, Dhanush and Aishwarya filed for divorce after announcing their separation on social media in January 2022. While the two did not appear for the court hearing three times, they were present in the Chennai court on November 21 for the in-camera proceedings.
The family coach, Shubha Devi, approved the divorce. Reports suggest that earlier hearings were delayed due to their absence.
Dhanush has been in the news due to a copyright case against Nayanthara. Dhanush and Aishwarya's marriage faced issues for many years before they decided to part ways. They have been living separately for the last two years. Their divorce was officially approved after they both agreed to it during the court proceedings.
Both Dhanush and Aishwarya come from prominent South Indian cinema families. Their wedding was a significant event, reflecting their status in the industry. Despite their separation, they continue to focus on their individual lives and careers.
Atif Aslam to Rock Stage in Dhaka Today
Popular Pakistani singer Atif Aslam will grace the stage of Dhaka on Friday (November 29). He will sing at the 'Magical Night 2.0' concert at the Army Stadium tonight. Atif arrived in Dhaka on the afternoon of November 28 for this concert.
Triple Time Communication, the concert organizer, said Atif will take the stage after 8 pm tonight. He has been to Dhaka several times before.
Apart from Atif, young Pakistani artist Abdul Hannan, Bangladeshi Tahsan Khan, and the band Kaktal will also perform at the concert. Apart from this, this concert will have a special surprise, which the organizing committee is not revealing right now.
The concert will start at 5 pm at the Bangladesh Army Stadium, and the gates will open for the audience at 1 pm.
Attack on Asaduzzaman Noor in Hospital
Former minister and former MP from Nilphamari-2 (Sadar) constituency Asaduzzaman Noor was attacked at the capital's Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
The attack took place on the hospital premises around noon on Saturday (November 30).
Eyewitnesses said that Asaduzzaman Noor was brought to the hospital for treatment at noon. At that time, some students injured in the July-August movement attacked him. Later, the students were taken to the room of the hospital director, Brigadier General Rezaur Rahman. There, the director took their mobile phones.
However, although the director was called for comment on the matter, his statement could not be obtained.
Earlier, Asaduzzaman Noor was arrested from the capital on the night of September 15. He was later sent to jail.
Noor has represented the Awami League in parliament since 2001. In the last 12th National Parliament election, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from Nilphamari-2 constituency. In addition, after the Awami League's landslide victory in the 10th National Parliament election held on January 5, 2013, he took over as the Minister of Cultural Affairs on January 13, 2014 and served until January 7, 2019.
In addition to politics, Asaduzzaman Noor has acted in more than 110 television films and serials. His notable works on television include Eishob Dinratri (1985), Ayomoy (1988), Kothao Keu Nei (1990), Aaj Robibar (1999) and Somudro Bilas Private Limited (1999). Among them, he made a special place in the hearts of the audience by playing the character of 'Baker Bhai' in the serial 'Kothao Keu Nei'.
The number of his plays broadcast on radio is more than 50. Along with plays, he has also acted in films. The notable films he acted in are Shongkhonil Karagar (1992) and Aguner Poroshmoni (1994).
Asaduzzaman Noor received the Independence Award in 2018 for his contribution to culture. He has served as the president of the Bangladesh Recitation Coordination Council for a long time.
Rahat Fateh Ali To Perform For Free in Dhaka This December
Renowned Pakistani musician Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform a charity concert titled 'Echoes of Revolution' at the Army Stadium in Dhaka on December 21.
The concert aims to raise funds for the 'Shaheed July Smriti Foundation', which supports the families of martyrs and those injured during the July uprising, said organizers at a press conference at Madhu's canteen of Dhaka University.
A platform named 'Spirits of July', in collaboration with 'Shaheed July Smrity Foundation', is organizing the concert, with the support of Prime Bank, which will also feature bands Artcell, Chirkutt, Ashes, Aftermath, and rap artists Sezan and Hannan, reports BSS.
In a statement, they said, "To show solidarity with the families of the martyrs and those injured during the July Uprising, Spirits of July, a platform created by Dhaka University students, is organizing this concert on December 21."
"All proceeds from the concert will go to the Shaheed July Smriti Foundation, which is dedicated to assisting the families of those affected by the uprising", they said.
Spirits of July and the Shaheed July Smrity Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on November 12 in this regard.
They said a contract was signed with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on November 28. "He has graciously agreed to perform at the concert free of charge. The proceeds from ticket sales will go to affected families", said the organizers.
To ensure transparency and accountability, an advisory board consisting of Dhaka University faculty and prominent figures has been formed to oversee the financial matters of the event. Several members of the advisory board were present at the press conference.
DU International Relations Department student Hasan Mahmud Rizvi, Mass Communication and Journalism Department student Sadekur Rahman Sunny, Peace and Conflict Studies Department student Md Jafor Ali, and Islamic Studies Department student Wahid-Uz-Zaman read out the written statement.
Prime Bank Deputy Managing Director Md Ziaur Rahman and advisers of the concert Provost of DU Sir A. F. Rahman Hall Dr. Mahfujul Hoque Supan, Professor of DU Institute of Modern Languages Dr. Ansarul Alam, Associate Professor of Sociology department Mohammad Mahbub Kaiser, and DU Journalist's Association (DUJA) President Mohiuddin Muzahid Mahi were also present at the press conference.
Besides, the event will also include a graffiti exhibition reflecting the July Revolution, as well as an installment of Mugdha Water Zone.
Tickets for the concert will go on sale in early December. While ticket prices are yet to be finalized, organizers confirmed that three categories of tickets will be available.
Box Office Records Shattered by 'Moana 2,' 'Wicked,' and 'Gladiator II'
Instead of cozying up on their couches post-Thanksgiving, Americans flocked to movie theaters, fueling an epic weekend for the domestic box office. Disney’s highly anticipated “Moana 2” led the charge, alongside “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” as the three blockbusters shattered records with a jaw-dropping $420 million haul over the five-day holiday weekend.
“Moana 2” Makes Waves with Record-Breaking Debut
Disney’s “Moana 2” proved unstoppable, raking in $221 million domestically and setting a new high for five-day openings, dethroning “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” ($204.6 million in 2023). Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment co-chairman, called the sequel’s success “a testament to the phenomenon that Moana has become.”
Triple Threat Strategy Pays Off
The synchronized release of “Moana 2,” “Wicked,” and “Gladiator II” created a cinematic trifecta that captivated diverse audiences. Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, noted, “This strategy, whether intentional or serendipitous, brought massive attention to the movie theater experience.”
Universal’s “Wicked” enchanted audiences, grossing $262.4 million domestically, including $80 million from Friday to Sunday. Paramount’s “Gladiator II” roared into theaters with a total of $111.2 million, earning $30.7 million over the weekend. The combined buzz even coined a catchy nickname—“Glicked”—reminiscent of the 2023 “Barbenheimer” phenomenon.
Blockbuster Domination and Long-Term Impact
While “Red One” and “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” rounded out the weekend’s top five with modest earnings, the spotlight remained on the blockbuster trio. With no significant competitors in sight, these films are expected to dominate through December.
Interactive “Wicked” showings begin December 25, while “Moana 2” and “Gladiator II” will continue pulling in crowds until the arrival of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” and “Mufasa: The Lion King” on December 20.
Reviving the Theater Experience
Movie theater operators leaned into the buzz, dedicating 75% of showtimes to the three headliners. Daniel Loria of The Boxoffice Company praised the theatrical-driven marketing campaigns for reigniting the moviegoing culture, adding, “The big screen and the small screen complement each other, building up a film’s long-term success.”
A Thanksgiving to Remember
This year’s Thanksgiving weekend delivered more than turkey and pie—it revitalized the box office and gave audiences a reason to embrace the magic of cinema once again. With these blockbusters poised for weeks of sustained success, the holiday season promises to keep the popcorn popping.
(Source: CNN)
