The horror-comedy Lafangey has been making headlines; many media reports have claimed that the film has been banned by the censor boards for its “objectionable content, vulgar and double meaning language.” The film was scheduled to release on Eid ul Azha alongside two other Pakistani films London Nahi Jaunga and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad. But what is going to be its fate now?
In an exclusive conversation with Something Haute, Sabina Islam from IMGC Distribution Club, clarified that the film has not been banned.
“The censor boards had their reservations and objections over the content of the film. We were notified of these objections and we are taking the right measures to ensure that the film will release eventually,” she said.
“I don’t know how these rumours have started circulating but there is only a delay in its release. The censor boards demanded the removal of lots of dual meaning dialogues. So, it will take time to edit and make the necessary cuts without ruining the film. Then, we will preview for board’s approval. People will leave work for Eid holidays soon. So, it is inevitable that the film will not release on Eid ul Azha. We’re looking at a 1-week delay at least,” she added.
Talking about what objections the censor boards raised, Sabina shared that the film is based on a genre which caters to men. Hence, the four men in the film talk without any filters.
“As we say in the vernacular, ‘larkoun ke liye banai gai hai [the film is meant for boys/men]’. It has dialogues which may not sit well with everyone. But we are not here to offend anyone so we will do the needful,” she concluded.
Sami Khan, one of the actors in the film, shared a story from Al Wafiq Studios that the film has been sent to the “Full Board in Islamabad.”
Lafangey focuses on four men who have big dreams and goals but are clueless how to achieve them. Somehow, these four will end up in the supposedly “haunted house”. The film stars Sami Khan, Mani, Mubeen Gabool, Saleem Mairaj and Nazish Jahangir in the lead roles. Abdull Khaaliq Khan is the writer and director of the film, and Tariq Habib Rind is the producer.
Watch the cast of Lafangey talk about their film here: