Mayor Balen: 'No Hindi Films Will Run In Kathmandu'

Fri, Jun 16, 2023 9:47 AM on Latest, National,

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balendra Shah 'Balen' has taken a firm stance by issuing a warning that no Hindi films will be allowed to run in Kathmandu. The announcement came through a post on his Facebook page, where Mayor Shah expressed his concerns regarding a specific film controversy.

In his social media post, Mayor Shah wrote, "Until the inclusion of 'Janaki is an Indian daughter' in the South Indian film 'Adupurus' is rectified, not only in Nepal but also in India, no Hindi films will be allowed to run in Kathmandu Metropolitan." This statement reflects his demand for the correction to be made not only locally but also at the source of the film production.

To emphasize the seriousness of the matter, Mayor Shah provided a three-day ultimatum for the necessary changes to be implemented. The ultimatum puts pressure on the filmmakers to address the contentious issue promptly.

Following Mayor Shah's announcement, all shows of the movie were promptly canceled on Friday morning, citing security concerns. The decision was made in order to avoid any potential disturbances that may arise due to the ongoing controversy surrounding the film.

However, it is worth noting that matinee shows of the movie are currently available for booking, allowing audiences to attend the screenings during the day. Although bookings are available for now, it remains to be seen what will unfold in the afternoon. The situation surrounding the film controversy is still fluid, and there is a possibility that further developments or decisions may impact the availability of these matinee shows. As the day progresses, it will be interesting to observe how the situation unfolds and whether any changes will be made to the screening schedule.

The ban on Hindi films in Kathmandu represents an unprecedented move by Mayor Balen, showcasing his commitment to addressing the concerns of the local community. The controversy surrounding the film has evidently led to a strong response from the mayor, prompting the implementation of this temporary ban until the necessary rectifications are made.