The release of Na Maloom Afraad 2 in the UAE has been put on hold as the Pakistani film awaits clearance from the National Media Council (NMC), according to its distributors.
The Eid Al Adha release was scheduled to hit UAE cinemas on August 31, with the stars of the film, namely veteran actor Javed Shaikh, Fahad Mustafa and Mohsin Abbas Haider, flying to Dubai for a promotional visit on August 28.
However, the press event was cancelled following the news, with the film’s worldwide distributors confirming the chain of events with Gulf News tabloid!.
“All the stars and the film’s producer and director had specially flown down to Dubai to promote Na Maloom Afraad 2,” said Usaf Shariq, Head of Films Division, Urdu1 Pictures.
Aside from the lead cast, actress Hania Amir, along with producer Fizza Ali Meerza and director Nabeel Qureshi were also in Dubai for the promotional visit.
“We were informed this afternoon that the film has been put on hold by the UAE censor board and a decision has yet to be taken if it can release with some cuts,” Shariq added. “We are expecting an answer today. There are seven members of the film who have flown down here and we didn’t want them facing a difficult situation until we have clarity.”
Shariq added the film was scheduled for a GCC-wide release, showing across 30 screens in the region.
Na Maloom Afraad 2 is the sequel to the 2014 hit film, which released in the UAE. The second outing sees the three schemers, Farhan, Moon and Shakeel, head to South Africa as they attempt to rob a rich man who travels with a toilet seat made of gold.
Gulf News tabloid! has sought a comment from the NMC.
