Content ban, events cancellations, release postponed, film industry feels heat of India-Pakistan strain

Pakistani content pulled, events postponed, film industry feels heat of India-Pakistan strain

The entertainment industry, often viewed as a refuge from political strife, has once again found itself entwined with geopolitical developments. Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and India's swift military response through Operation Sindoor, the Indo-Pak border tensions have escalated significantly. This spike in hostility has led to a domino effect, heavily impacting India’s entertainment sector in multiple ways—from cancelled events to postponed releases and advisory-led content removals.

1. Ministry Advisory on Pakistani Content

In a significant move, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) issued an advisory urging all streaming platforms to remove content that originates from Pakistan. This includes films, web series, music, and other digital media, regardless of their subscription model.

OTT platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and JioHotstar had already pulled Pakistani content in prior months.
Shows like Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Humsafar, once popular among Indian viewers, are no longer available.

Zee Zindagi has deleted its Pakistani titles, including the much-anticipated Barzakh starring Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed.
YouTube channels like Hum TV and ARY Digital were also blocked in India even before the advisory, as part of a larger digital crackdown.

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2. Cancelled Live Events in Solidarity

The mood of national grief and solidarity has prompted many artists to cancel or reschedule their events, often citing the need for sensitivity and reflection.

Kamal Haasan postponed the audio launch of Thug Life, emphasizing that “Art can wait. India comes first.”
Arijit Singh cancelled his Abu Dhabi concert scheduled for May 9.

Usha Uthup’s Mumbai concert and Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s Indore show, both planned for May 10, were also called off.
Salman Khan cancelled his UK tour (The Bollywood Big One), and the unveiling of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s statue in the UK was reportedly shelved.

Even small-scale celebratory events have been put on hold. The cast of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah cancelled a planned Mother's Day celebration, citing respect for the current national sentiment.

3. Film Releases Shift Gears

Theatres, traditionally buzzing with weekend crowds, are witnessing abrupt changes to release schedules as filmmakers adapt to the sensitive atmosphere.

The much-awaited Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Bhool Chuk Maaf was pulled from its May 9 theatrical release. Instead, it will now premiere directly on Prime Video on May 16. The makers cited "heightened security drills" and national sentiment as reasons.

TVF’s family comedy Very Parivarik Season 2 has also been postponed, with no new release date yet announced.
Abir Gaulaal, starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, faces an indefinite delay. All digital promotions, including trailers and songs, have been removed.

4. Uncertainty Around Cross-Border Collaborations

While the I&B advisory targets content of Pakistani origin, there remains ambiguity over collaborations involving Pakistani artists working under Indian or international banners. Content like Coke Studio Pakistan is still accessible, and the boundaries around what qualifies as "Pakistan-originated" are unclear.