Patriotism over premiere: Bollywood’s stand in tough times

India Today

From government advisories to cancelled events and delayed releases, here’s how Bollywood and streaming platforms are navigating this sensitive time.

Transcript

00:00After the tragic terror attack in Pahlgham on April 22nd and India's military response through Operation Sindur,

00:06tensions between India and Pakistan have increased.

00:08These events have also affected the Indian entertainment industry in a big way.

00:12From cancelled concerts to delayed movie releases and content being taken down from streaming platforms,

00:18the industry has reacted with care and solidarity amid this sensitive time.

00:23On May 8, 2025, India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting told all media and OTT platforms

00:29to stop showing any content that originates from Pakistan.

00:32The advisory said,

00:33In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India

00:38are advised to discontinue the web series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content

00:43whether made available on a subscription-based model or otherwise,

00:46having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect.

00:49As a result, major platforms like Netflix, Prime Video and Jio Hotstar no longer feature Pakistani shows or movies.

00:55Earlier, popular dramas like Zindagi Gulzar and Hum Safar were on Netflix

00:58but they are gone now.

01:00Z Zindagi, which used to stream Pakistani shows, has also deleted them.

01:03One such show, Barzakh, featuring Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, has been removed from Z5.

01:08According to a source, this was done early to avoid controversy.

01:11Even before this, YouTube had blocked channels like Hum TV and Ari Digital in India.

01:16These channels were known for streaming popular dramas.

01:1916 other channels were also banned for spreading false information.

01:22However, some Pakistani music, including Coke Studios and songs by individual artists, can still be seen.

01:27A media expert said there is still confusion about whether shows like Coke Studio count as Pakistani origin content

01:32and more clarity is expected in the coming days.

01:36Several celebrities have also cancelled their public events to show support and respect during this time.

01:41Actor Kamal Hassan cancelled the audio launch of his film Thug Life, which was planned for May 16th.

01:46He said this in a statement.

01:47Singer Arijit Singh cancelled his concert in Abu Dhabi, which was set for May 9th.

01:53Earlier, Salman Khan cancelled his UK tour, the Bollywood Big One,

01:56and even the planned unveiling of a Shahrukh Khan and Kajol statue in the UK was cancelled.

02:00The team of the popular TV show, Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashmak, cancelled their special Mother's Day event

02:05just a few hours before it was supposed to start.

02:08The team issued a statement and said,

02:09In light of recent developments, we are not going ahead with today's gathering.

02:13Thank you for your understanding.

02:16Upcoming movies and shows are also seeing changes.

02:19Maddox Films decided to cancel the theatre release of Bhook Chook Maf,

02:23starring Rajkumar Rao and Vamika Gabi.

02:25It was supposed to release in cinemas on May 9th,

02:27but now it will premiere on Prime Video on May 16th.

02:30We were excited for a theatre release, but the nation comes first.

02:33Jai Hind, The Note Red.

02:34TVF also postponed the launch of Season 2 of Very Pariwarik.

02:37A post on Instagram confirmed the delay and thanked fans for their patience.

02:41Meanwhile, Abir Gulal, starring Fawad Khan and Vani Kapoor, has been put on hold for now.

02:46All its trailers, songs and posters have been removed from online platforms.

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