Sonam Kapoor disheartened as Pakistan says no to 'Neerja'

Indian actress Sonam Kapoor starrer 'Neerja' has opened to the theatres with rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

The film continues to get good numbers at the box office and the crew along with the actress are delighted with the success of the movie.

But Sonam says she is 'extremely disheartened' that her film was not released in Pakistan on Friday.

The actress, who plays the titular role of the stewardess who died while saving lives on hijacked Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986, said Neerja 'saved Pakistani lives' and was awarded by the government for her heroic efforts.

The film was banned in Pakistan for allegedly portraying the country 'in poor light.' Sonam, 30, tweeted that she could 'guarantee' that this was not true.

Sonam took to Twitter to express her disappointment, "Extremely disheartened that #Neerja isn't releasing this Friday in Pakistan. She was awarded by them & I hope they will salute her again."

"She saved Pakistani lives, and I can guarantee that Pakistan hasn't been shown in a poor light, I really hope and pray #Neerja releases."

However, the 'Khoobsurat' actor is still optimistic that once the movie releases worldwide, Pakistan’s censor board will be swayed by the fair depiction of the country and uplift the ban.

"When #Neerja releases worldwide and people see how fair the film is, I'm hopeful that it will result in a solution to a release in Pakistan."

An official at the commerce ministry said that due to objectionable nature of the content which portrayed Pakistan in poor light, the certificate to import the film was revoked.

IMGC Executive Director Abid Rasheed admitted that there were certain anti-Pakistan elements in Neerja and it showed Muslims in negative light.

Ram Madhvani's movie which released over 700 screens in India, has shown good occupancy in theatres across the country backed up by strong content and good word of mouth from the people.

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