Senate Committee Recommends Changes to Film Bullah, Calls for Temporary Screening Delay

Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has recommended temporarily postponing the screening of the film Bullah until certain changes are made, including revising its title and modifying selected dialogues.

During a committee meeting chaired by Senator Sarmad Ali, officials from the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) briefed lawmakers on the objections raised against the film and explained the approval process. According to CBFC officials, Balla had already been cleared for release by the Punjab and Sindh censor boards without any cuts under its current title.

The officials also clarified that the federal censor board’s jurisdiction is limited to the Islamabad Capital Territory and cantonment areas, while decisions on approving or rejecting films are made collectively by the board. They added that if the committee recommends changes or restrictions, the matter could be referred to the federal government as the next appellate authority.

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During the discussion, Senator Pervaiz Rashid stated that the reputation of the film’s writer, Nasir Adeeb, should not be considered sufficient justification for defending the film’s historical or cultural portrayal. He also remarked that the iconic film Maula Jatt popularized the gandasa as a cultural symbol, despite him not being familiar with the weapon before the film.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Senator Sarmad Ali proposed changing the film’s title, revising certain dialogues, and delaying its screening until the recommended amendments are implemented.

Written by renowned screenwriter Nasir Adeeb, Balla stars Shaan Shahid and Saleem Shah in lead roles. Although the film was originally released on Eid-ul-Fitr 2026, its exhibition has recently become the subject of renewed regulatory scrutiny.