SRK’s ‘Pathaan’ to hit cinemas in Bangladesh on May 12; first Hindi film to release post 1971

Produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Siddharth Anand, ‘Pathaan’ is the highest-grossing film worldwide in the history of Hindi cinema with over Rs 1050 crore gross at the global box office.

Before its release in India last January, the Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Salman Khan starrer movie faced calls for ban from several politicians and multiple right-wing organisations, both Hindu and Muslim.

First, Deepika’s orange bikini in the film’s song ‘Besharam Rang’ drew ire, as orange, which symbolises sacrifice in Hinduism, is considered a holy colour by Hindus. Several sections of the community demanded a ban on the movie, alleging that it hurt their sentiments. Madhya Pradesh’s Ulema Board, a Muslim organisation, demanded that the movie shouldn’t be released as it propagated Islam with an incorrect approach.

On the release of the movie in the neighbouring Bangladesh, International Distribution Vice President Nelson D’Souza said Pathan would be the first Hindi film to release in Bangladesh after 1971 and thanked the authorities for their decision.

“Cinema has always been a unifying force between nations, races, and cultures. It transcends borders, galvanizes people and plays a significant hand in bringing people together. We are incredibly thrilled that Pathaan, which has done historic business worldwide, will now get a chance to entertain audiences in Bangladesh!” he added.

D’Souza said, “We have learned over the years that Shah Rukh Khan has a tremendous fan following in Bangladesh.”

He said the latest offering from YRF’s Spy Universe, is the perfect first film of SRK & Hindi cinema to release in the country and represent Indian culture and cinema in its full glory.

‘Pathaan’ is also the highest-grossing film of the fabled YRF’s Spy Universe that also includes blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai and War.

(With UNI inputs)