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| 'Zindagi Tamasha' released on YouTube: 'There is a sense of failure and loss and this failure is of the system' |
After opposition from religious circles in Pakistan, the movie 'Zindagi Tamasha', which has been waiting for release in cinemas for three years, has been released on YouTube on Friday.
The film's release on a video streaming website was announced by filmmaker and director Sarmad Khost in a message on social media.
In this message, Sarmad Khost said that he is releasing his film on the digital platform during Pakistan's Independence Month and all the controversies related to the film in the past are 'putting dirt' on him.
Sarmad said that now that he is releasing the film on YouTube, there is a sense of failure and loss and this failure is not just his own but the failure of the system.
He said that being a responsible citizen, he had fulfilled all the necessary and legal obligations required for the release of this film, but his film suffered injustice.
Sarmad Khost also said that the purpose of releasing the film on a digital platform is also that the audience can decide for themselves what was done to him without watching the film.
Arif Hasan, who played the lead role in 'Zindagi Tamasha', said that people should have seen this film in cinemas, but now when people watch it on YouTube, they will know that there is nothing objectionable in this film. can be done
This is the picture of our society today, and everyone knows that we have become an intolerant society. We do not tolerate any point of view, any thought, any difference. This film is about that.
He said that he wants people to watch the film, it is possible that after the release of the film on YouTube and the response of the people, the government may also decide that it should be shown on the big screen.
Why Zindagi Tamasha could not be released in the cinema?
'Zindagi Tamasha' was initially announced to release in January 2020. When the trailer of the film was released in September 2019, it drew objections from a religious group and, apart from threats to the makers of the film, there were also calls for protests upon its release.
In this situation, while the first trailer of the film was removed from social media platforms, in January 2020, despite the permission of the Censor Board, its release was not possible and was postponed.
After the end of the Corona epidemic, it was announced to release the film in March 2022 by re-releasing the trailer, but this announcement could not be completed.
Meanwhile, 'Zindagi Tamasha' was screened at several international film festivals where it won the Best Film Award at the 6th World Film Festival, apart from Asian Film Festival and Busan Film Festival.
It should be noted that despite not being screened in cinemas, this film was Pakistan's 'official entry' for the Oscars in 2021.
What is the story of the movie?
In an interview given to BBC Urdu in the past about the film, Sarmad Khost said that his film is not about any sect or religion but the main theme of this film is only intolerance.
He said that religion is a part of our daily life and 'how is it possible that when you tell a complete story, it is not mentioned, we are definitely hinting at things but it is very clear that the film is not the main idea of.'
Sarmad Khost said that the story is about the inner feelings of the protagonist of the film.
"When you work in a real genre, every aspect of the character is discussed. (The protagonist of this film) is a property agent, he is a father, he is a Lahori Punjabi, he is a caring husband and he is also a Naat-e-Khawan, materially, not professionally.
He said, "This is the story of a fully alive character. Then something very minor happens in his life, due to which disputes arise on all these aspects, disputes over his work, disputes over where he works as an amateur, but More and more central it is the story of his personal legacy.'
He said that the main character of his film is not only a victim of personal intolerance, "he is also a victim of intolerance of his neighbors and he is also a victim of intolerance in cyberspace."
"This country will never support art and true artists"
Sarmad Khost took to social media to announce the release of the film Zindagi Tamasha on YouTube, while social media users applauded him for his bold move and his tireless work on the issue of 'system failure'. Also talked about.
Commenting on Khost Films' official channel on YouTube, one user wrote, 'I'm sure this masterpiece of art and the artists are going to get the love, respect, appreciation, and acceptance that traditional release methods deserve. could not be obtained through.'
Another user, Hamal Khan, wrote, "It made me really sad and disappointed but at the same time relieved that you are finally going to set him free." I am proud of you Sarmad Khost. You are a true artist and a sensitive soul. This country will never support honest art and true artists but what we can do is keep moving forward, keep making art.
And keep expressing yourself. I am sure that the release of your film 'Zindagi Tamasha' will give you the wonderful feedback and recognition that you deserve.''
Fatima Sajjad Shah wrote, "Watched a very sad video of Sarmad Khost who after a long battle refused to release Zindagi Tamasha in theaters and chose to release it online." Happy Independence Day in advance to TLP, TTP, and their supporters.
A user named Sara Khan wrote, "Sarmad I feel bad for you, you are handling it so well." Wishing you further success in your very valiant endeavors.'