'Churails' has been shut down in Pakistan, says director Asim Abbasi
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TV series Churails has been removed for Pakistan-based viewers from Zee5 Global, an online platform that has been streaming the series since August 11.
The India-based platform hasn’t issued any word on its decision, but it happened after dozens of social media users demanded the series to be banned.
Taking to Twitter, director Asim Abbasi wrote: "How strange for Churails to be lauded internationally, and now be shut down in its country of origin. In the very country where hundreds of artists came together to create something that could initiate dialogue and open doors for new narratives," he said.
How strange for #Churails to be lauded internationally, and now be shut down in its country of origin. In the very country where hundreds of artists came together to create something that could initiate dialogue and open doors for new narratives. (1)
— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) October 7, 2020
Adding on, Abbasi went on to deem his series being not available for viewing in the country as a "loss for women and marginalised communities".
"Artistic freedom squashed because it is wrongly perceived by some as a moral threat. Predictable, and yet, still disappointing. For this is not just my loss. This is a loss for women and marginalised communities that this show meant to re-represent," he said.
Artistic freedom squashed because it is wrongly perceived by some as a moral threat. Predictable, and yet, still disappointing. For this is not just my loss. This is a loss for women and marginalised communities that this show meant to re-represent. (2)
— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) October 7, 2020
The director concluded the thread by expressing hopelessness with the entire scenario.
"This is a loss for all actors, writers, directors and technicians across Pakistan, who were hoping for digital/OTT to be their saviour. And it's a home-run for all the misogynists who have once again proven that they are the only voice that matters," he said.
This is a loss for all actors, writers, directors and technicians across Pakistan, who were hoping for digital/OTT to be their saviour. And it's a home-run for all the misogynists who have once again proven that they are the only voice that matters. (3)
— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) October 7, 2020