Cancelled events to delayed releases: Impact of Indo-Pak tension on film industry

India Today

09-05-2025

Following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, a somber mood has settled over the entertainment industry. The atmosphere further intensified after India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan, with rising border tensions now visibly impacting the film world. As a gesture of national solidarity and in consideration of security concerns, several concerts and public events have been cancelled. Additonally, Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi's film 'Bhool Chuk Maaf', originally scheduled for a theatrical release on May 9, will now premiere digitally.advertisementWith the nation closely following every development on both sides of the border, here's a look at how the escalating situation has impacted the entertainment industry.OUTCOME OF THE I&B ADVISORYOn Thursday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India issued an advisory to discontinue content that has originated in Pakistan. 'In the interest of national security, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect,' a part of the advisory read.A quick search across major OTT platforms shows that Netflix, JioHotstar, and Prime Video currently host no Pakistani content. Popular shows like 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai' and 'Humsafar' were reportedly available on Netflix a few years ago but have since been removed.advertisement
Zee Zindagi, which once streamed original Pakistani content, has also deleted such titles from its platform. Even 'Barzakh', starring Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, has been taken down from ZEE5. A source close to the channel told India Today that the content was removed ahead of any formal advisory, as a precaution to avoid potential controversy.
Even before Operation Sindoor, YouTube had blocked Pakistani channels Hum TV and ARY Digital - both known for streaming popular soap operas - in India. Additionally, 16 other channels were banned for allegedly spreading misinformation. However, platforms like Coke Studio Pakistan and music by Pakistani artists remain accessible. A trade source revealed that the advisory was issued only on Thursday evening and will take time to be fully implemented."Also, it said that content which had its origins in Pakistan, but a lot of content by Pakistani artists has also been produced in India. So there is no clarity around the same. Coke is a global brand, so we still don't know if Coke Studio falls into the Pakistan-originated content. As time passes, we will have better clarity," they said.CANCELLED LIVE EVENTSadvertisementEven before the official advisory was issued, several celebrities took conscious steps to postpone or cancel their events in light of the sensitive situation. On Friday, Tamil actor Kamal Haasan announced the rescheduling of the audio launch for his upcoming film 'Thug Life', which was originally set to take place on May 16."Art can wait. India comes first. As our soldiers stand firm on the frontlines with unflinching courage in defence of our motherland, I believe it is a time for quiet solidarity, not celebration. A new date will be announced at a later, more appropriate time. At this time, our thoughts are with the brave men and women of our armed forces who stand vigilant, safeguarding our nation. As citizens, it is our duty to respond with restraint and solidarity. Celebration must make way for reflection (sic)," the statement read.Here's the statement:
Following his Chennai concert, singer and composer Arijit Singh cancelled his scheduled performance in Abu Dhabi on May 9. Usha Uthup's Mumbai concert, planned for May 10, has also been called off, while Rishab Rikhiram Sharma postponed his Indore show originally set for the same day. Earlier, Salman Khan cancelled his UK tour, The Bollywood Big One (May 4-5), and reports suggest that the unveiling of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's statue in the UK was also cancelled due to rising Indo-Pak tensions.advertisementThe television show 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' had planned a special Mother's Day celebration for media personnel and their families on Friday. However, just hours before the event, the team cancelled it, issuing a statement: 'In light of recent developments, we will not be going ahead with today's Mother's Day gathering at the 'TMKOC' set. Thank you for your understanding and continued support (sic)."FILM RELEASES AFFECTEDTurning to films, on Thursday, production house Maddock Films announced the cancellation of the theatrical release of Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi's upcoming movie 'Bhool Chuk Maaf', just a day before it was scheduled to hit cinemas. The film will now premiere directly on an OTT platform next week."In light of recent events and the heightened security drills across the nation, we at Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios have decided to bring our family entertainer, 'Bhool Chuk Maaf', directly to your homes on May 16, only on Prime Video, worldwide. While we were eagerly looking forward to celebrating this film with you in theatres, the spirit of the nation comes first. Jai Hindi," the note read.Additionally, TVF rescheduled the release of the second season of the upcoming show 'Very Parivarik'. The note on Instagram read, "Given recent events, the release of our show 'Very Parivarik S2' will be rescheduled. We appreciate your patience and support (sic)."Meanwhile, 'Abir Gaulaal', starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, has borne the brunt of the rising tensions. Its release has been postponed indefinitely, and all promotional material, including the trailer and songs, has been removed from digital platforms.Must Watch