After 'Mughal-E-Azam','Taj Mahal', 'Awarapan' to release in Pak

New Delhi, July 6 (UNI) 'Awarapan', the film which has ''given a second lease of life to the Bollywood career of Emran Hashmi, by presenting him in an image far removed from that of a "serial kisser", is all set to become the fourth Indian film to get a theatrical release in Pakistan.

With the Pakistan Film Censor Board clearing the screening of 'Awarapan' in Pakistan, the film is all set for a release in cinema halls in the neighbouring country on July 13, the producers of the film said.

According to the film's director Mohit Suri the film would be exhibited in theatres in Pakistan from July 13, two weeks after its theatrical release in India and many overseas territories.

Says the Executive producer and investor of 'Awarapan' Sohail Khan,''the film has been censored. Our main concern now is that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) should ensure that cable TV operators do not air it as pirated DVDs and VCDs have reportedly already hit the market,''Khan said.

Expressing elation at the release of the film, an international co-production in collaboration with a Pakistani producer, in the neighbouring country, lead actor Emran Hashmi said,''it is an extremely touching film about how a Hindu gangster helps a Pakistani girl escape from the clutches of Human trafficking. I am sure the film will touch a chord in the hearts of cinegoers in Pakistan.'' Emran said Mahesh Bhatt, director Mohit Suri and the Pakistani co-producer had been busy the last few days in obtaining a theatrical release for the film in Pakistan.

Reacting to the release of 'Awarapan' in Pakistan, its lead singer Mustafa Zaidi, the Roxen vocalist, who has rendered chartbusters 'To Phir Aao' and 'Tera Mera Rishta', said,''this is very proud moment for us. People in Pakistan are absolutely in love with Indian films and stars with pirated DVDs of Bollywood films selling like hot cakes there.

Infact, Emran is hugely popular among the people of the country.'' Cleared by the Pakistani Censor Board on Tuesday, 'Awarapan' was initially scheduled for a release today but will now hit screens across Pakistan on July 13.

The producers and the director felt that postponing the film by a week would give them time to promote the film aggressively in Pakistan.

However, Mustafa Zaidi felt that whenever the film was released in Pakistan it would prove to be a smashing hit.

Talking to UNI, the singer said,''I sincerely feel that 'Awarapan' has all the ingredients for it to do well in Pakistan.

It has an extremely touching story and strong Pakistani connection.

Also, people in Pakistan will love the music, which is already a rage in the country.'' ''This film is a fitting reply to those in the West who have presented a distorted image of the Muslim community. In this context, its release in Pakistan is a laudable step,''the singer said.

More UNI