Should we have Pathaan’s poster instead of Joyland: Faysal | The Express Tribune

Recently, Sajal Aly came under fire when designer Maria Butt took offense to the fact that a Joyland poster was seen in Aly’s character’s room in the actor’s latest, Kuch Ankahi.

While the show has been garnering praise all over social media, the designer, who has been consistent in her critique of the transgender community, highlighted one particular instance where Saim Sadiq’s directorial made a swift appearance.

Amidst all this, a clip from a talk show featuring Faysal Qureshi, Atiqa Odho, and Rubina Ashraf has begun circulating on social media and is being considered a “fitting reply” by many to the couturier’s claims. The host of the show is seen questioning the guests regarding this particular screengrab from Kuch Ankahi, alongside Maria’s statements.

Atiqa is seen to tackle the question first, explaining how the Yaqeen Ka Safar star’s character is supposed to be an outgoing, career-driven extrovert, highlighting how the character’s choice would be reflected in her room.

“Sajal is shown to be an outgoing, extrovert [who is] career-driven. Her room will reflect that,” stated the veteran television and film actor.

It is here where Faysal interjects, stating that the poster for Kamli was also visible, driving home the point that these are local films. He sarcastically questions whether a poster for Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan should have been up instead, given the questionable light it shines on local intelligence agencies and the armed forces.

“The posters are of our films,” says Qureshi. “These are new films. Should a poster for Pathaan be put up instead? Where ISI is being abused, and everyone is applauding Shah Rukh Khan? Your armed forces are being critiqued – but if it were a Shah Rukh Khan poster, that would be fine.”

Furthermore, he adds that one can take issue with the film, but the fact remains that a Pakistani film was showcased. “It’s a Pakistani film. You can have an issue with it, but it is a Pakistani film,” he concluded.

Maria is yet to respond to the two stars defending Sajal in the midst of the fiasco. Previously taking to Instagram, the designer penned how local dramas, too, have been promoting a film that sparked numerous debates, given that it features a transgender character and actor. She asked Pakistanis to “wake up” and “see the new agenda,” claiming that such acts do little to save the country and go a long way in selling one’s religious identity.

The screengrab in particular also shows posters of Sarmad Khoosat’s Kamli and renowned Iranian director Panah Panahi’s Hit the Road, alongside the poster for Joyland.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.