Bollywood Eid releases have always been highly anticipated for movie-goers in India and worldwide. These movies have the power to draw huge crowds to theaters, with fans eagerly waiting for their favorite stars to grace the big screen. This year is no different, as the upcoming Eid release of Salman Khan’s “Kisi ka Bhai Kisi ka Jaan” on April 21, 2023, has already created a buzz among movie enthusiasts.
History of Bollywood Eid Releases
The tradition of releasing big-budget Bollywood movies on Eid started with Salman Khan’s “Wanted” in 2009, a massive success. Since then, Khan has been a staple of Eid releases, with films such as “Dabangg,” “Bodyguard,” “Ek Tha Tiger,” and “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” becoming box office hits. Other stars such as Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar have also released their films during Eid, adding to the festive fervor.
Eid is a time of celebration for Muslims worldwide, and Bollywood has capitalized on this by releasing movies catering to the occasion’s spirit. With the pandemic halting theatrical releases in 2020 and 2021, the upcoming Eid release of “Kisi ka Bhai Kisi ka Jaan” is expected to draw even larger crowds.
Is it Time to Bury the Hatchet and Screen Bollywood Movies in Pakistan?
Despite controversies surrounding certain Bollywood personalities, the industry remains a significant cultural force in India and abroad. The release of blockbuster movies during Eid has become a tradition many look forward to.
However, as we approach another “Bhai” film on Eid, Pakistani audiences ask the same question again: Is it time to bury the hatchet and screen Bollywood movies this Eid?
Reasons Behind the Ban
Pakistan banned the screening of Indian films in the aftermath of India’s annexation of Kashmir in 2019.
This decision was made as a show of solidarity with the people of Kashmir, who were stripped of their autonomy by the Indian government. Despite this ban, many Pakistanis continue to watch Indian movies on various platforms, highlighting the cultural ties between the two countries.
Growing Disconnect
The increasing push of right-wing agendas in Bollywood movies has led to a growing disconnect between fans in Pakistan and the industry. The glorification of Indian nationalism and the demonization of Pakistan in movies like “Mission Majnu” and “Uri: The Surgical Strike” has left many Pakistanis feeling alienated and offended.
This, coupled with the political tension between the two countries, has led to a decline in the popularity of Indian movies in Pakistan. Under the influence of a right-wing delusional government, Bollywood has become a tool for a fanatical majority suffering from a deep-rooted and almost pitiful inferiority complex.
Should We Screen Bollywood Movies in Pakistan?
It is evident now that rewriting and distorting history is a common trend in big-project releases from the Hindi film industry. From Arjun Kapoor’s Panipat to Bhansali’s Padmavat, the complete murder of historical facts and alienation of Muslims and Islam is evident.
Even the much-awaited SRK starrer Pathan – a film about an ethnicity that hardly exists in India – was filled with propaganda and was in fact story of a mainstream actor surrendering to right-wing agendas.
In conclusion, while the release of Bollywood movies during Eid is a highly anticipated event, it is essential to acknowledge the political context in which it is taking place.
The ban on Bollywood movies in Pakistan and the growing push of right-wing agendas in Bollywood films cannot be ignored, and the Indian government must take steps to address these issues. Only then can we truly embrace the cultural exchange that Eid represents and move towards a more peaceful and inclusive future.
Galaxy Lollywood envisions a day when Pakistan and India can openly share art with each other, without pushing narratives that pander to right wing extremists.
