Senate summons entire Censor Board, producer over violent ‘Buleha’ film

The entire Central Board of Film Censors and the producer of the film Buleha have been summoned by a Senate committee after lawmakers

Islamabad: The entire Central Board of Film Censors and the producer of the film Buleha have been summoned by a Senate committee after lawmakers questioned how a name linked with the revered Sufi poet Bulleh Shah was used for a gun carrying character involved in killings and violence.

The controversy grew after the committee was told that the film contains a scene in which a blood covered man raises his gun and declares: “He was yesterday’s Bulla; I am today’s Bulla.”

Senator Pervaiz Rashid strongly objected to the dialogue and said it was like someone claiming: “He was yesterday’s Quaid i Azam; I am today’s Quaid i Azam.” He said Bulleh Shah was known for love, peace, humanity and opposition to violence, but the film had connected a similar name with guns, bloodshed and revenge.

The matter was discussed at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, chaired by Senator Sarmad Ali. The committee decided to summon every member of the Central Board of Film Censors, along with the film’s producer, at its next meeting.

The Ministry of Information was also ordered to provide the official minutes from the Censor Board meeting in which the film was cleared. The Censor Board chairman informed the committee that Buleha, also referred to as Bulleya during the discussion, was submitted for clearance on March 12, 2024.

He said the board unanimously approved the film for public screening in the PG, or Parental Guidance, category. This means children could watch the film with parental guidance.

Lawmakers questioned why a film reportedly containing guns, killings and violent scenes was cleared under a title that could remind viewers, especially younger people, of Bulleh Shah. The official agenda noted concerns that the title could damage or confuse the historical and spiritual image linked with the Sufi poet.

During the discussion, officials explained that the film was not based on the life or teachings of Bulleh Shah. They said the main character, named Bulla, was a hero who stood against mafias and powerful criminals.

The character was described as fighting cruel people and killing those involved in wrongdoing. However, Senator Pervaiz Rashid rejected the argument that this portrayal made the character positive. He said Bulleh Shah promoted peace and love, while the film’s hero achieved his aims through violence and killing.

He asked how the Censor Board could approve such a film under a name so closely connected with the respected spiritual figure. Minister admits failure of due diligence

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar acknowledged that the film was neither a biography of Bulleh Shah nor based on his teachings. He said the filmmakers presented Bulla as a rebellious character who stood against mafias.

However, the minister admitted that the film should not have been released under that name. He said the Censor Board should have conducted proper due diligence before approving the title.

Committee members said younger audiences might not understand the difference between the film’s violent character and the historical Sufi poet. They feared that using a similar name could leave children with a false image of Bulleh Shah.

The committee said a personality associated with peace should not be indirectly connected with a character shown carrying weapons and spreading bloodshed.

The producer and Censor Board members will now be required to explain why the title was approved, what objections were discussed and whether the possible impact on Bulleh Shah’s image was considered before the film received clearance.