Punjab Censor Board recalls Barbie for a second review

KARACHI: While Barbie might have been one of the most anticipated movies of 2023 around the world, it seems as though the Punjab Censor Board isn’t onboard the Barbie train. For the second time in less than a week, the movie was pulled from cinema’s across Punjab. Has the movie been banned or has it simply been recalled for another review? Barbie fans want answers.

me when everyone’s saying punjab censor board banned barbie pic.twitter.com/wNfO4QDxNj

— mahnoorjunaid (@mahnoorjunaid1) July 20, 2023

The first recall came as a shock to many, especially those who were watching the movie when it was abruptly stopped in the middle of the screening and movie goers were instructed to collect their refunds. It was later revealed that the movie had certain “objectionable content.” To be more specific, it had certain dialogues which were considered to be pro LGBTQ. After a review of the movie, the Punjab Censor Board allowed Barbie to be released after censoring four dialogues and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) was passed.

for those of u who are wondering… this is the dialogue that got barbie banned in punjab (and censored in our screenings) like can u bffr rn https://t.co/pnBagYapwE

— n (@shutupnabeel) July 22, 2023

However, things have gotten all that more confusing. Despite the NOC, Barbie only saw the light of one day when it was recalled back by the Punjab Censor Board. As per reports, the film was recalled after public complaints about the movie. To add to the confusion, there is no lead as to when the review will be finalized. However, it is being emphasized that the movie hasn’t been banned.

Naturally, fans have been upset over the reviews and recalls. Though some found humor in the situation.

Honestly, these ppl have nothing better to do. The idea that somehow we will all be corrupted and lose our morals after watching a film is so outdated.
While The World Is Tickled Pink, Punjab Bans Barbie via @tft_ https://t.co/D4R29jyoUD

— Fifi Haroon (@fifiharoon) July 23, 2023

Punjab, the battleground of so many monumental battles, home to several empires, is scared of…..wait for it….BARBIE!

— Fatima Sajjad Shah (@FatimaShah95) July 21, 2023

Some remain determined to watch the movie despite the hurdles presented. And some felt proud of their roots.

told her that barbie is banned in punjab pic.twitter.com/l6kvEhFKEH

— laiba🙇🏻‍♀️ (@laibasic2) July 20, 2023

us when barbie banned in punjab for the 2nd time this is srsly disappointing but ok pic.twitter.com/4tdNfjl6Zl

— minaelonely (@minaelayoub) July 22, 2023

Some have questions about why Barbie was being scrutinized by the Punjab board and not other movies with far more objectionable content.

Punjab board will ban barbie but then not ban this??? pic.twitter.com/ioyQUJkC2d

— Taha (@glitchindamtrix) July 20, 2023

However, some pointed out a much more flawed standard that the Board seems to have.

Punjab censor board is chill with anti women content written by khalil ur rehman qamar but it’s 💖barbie💖 they draw the line at!!!!!

— zoha (@zchishtii) July 21, 2023

Loved every second of #Barbie
it’s funny, emotional and the best representation of cis men.

Barbie is all about finding joy, it celebrates and centres women’s relationships and is not for weak-hearted men. Which is why it makes perfect sense why the Punjab govt banned it! pic.twitter.com/1Eg4Popb3A

— leena (@Leena_Ghani) July 23, 2023