The Pakistani government has removed the ban on Joyland, directed by Saim Sadiq. The film was banned two days earlier for carrying ‘very offensive content.’ Saim Sadiq’s highly praised film Joyland has removed its ban in Pakistan. Their decision comes only days after the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting announced a ban claiming ‘extremely offensive material.’ Joyland has gained critical acclaim at film festivals across the world and is Pakistan’s official submission for the coming 2023 Academy Awards. On Wednesday, Express Tribune journalist Rafay Mahmood tweeted, “After the complete board review by the censor board, #Joyland has been cleared for release all throughout Pakistan with minor changes.”
The team is now excited about the November 18 release date. Congratulations to the entire group and its all participants.” He further says that the picture was never formally prohibited. But film distributors are waiting for a NOC certificate before continuing. Joyland is the debut film of Saim Sadiq. The story focuses on a patriarchal family looking for a newborn boy to carry on their family line. Things take an interesting turn. Especially when the protagonist, the family’s youngest son, secretly joins an exotic dance theatre. And there he falls in love with a trans lady. Sania Saeed, Alina Khan, Ali Junejo, Rasti Farooq, Sarwat Gilani, Salmaan Peerzada, and Sohail Sameer feature in Joyland. Now It will release in Pakistani theatres on November 18.