Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; March 6, 2014)

The makers of Total Siyapaa and actor Ali Zafar have been planning to hold a special screening of the film in Pakistan for a while now, but it looks like this is not going to happen now. It has emerged that the film’s premiere — that was slated to take place today in Karachi — was cancelled as the makers did not get permissions for the same from the Pakistani authorities.

A source says, “Ali and the film’s makers were keen to host the premiere in Karachi, Pakistan. The idea was to cash in on the Pakistani actor/ singer’s popularity in his home country and he was anyway garnering positive feedback for the film. But their efforts went in vain as the permissions failed to trickle in.” Another source says that despite the huge fan following that Bollywood enjoys in Pakistan, Indian cinema is yet to gain acceptance there. “In the past, there have been instances where Indian films were not even allowed to be shown in Pakistan because of their content,” says the source, adding that Total Siyapaa will release in Pakistan on Friday.

The film’s spokesperson confirmed the news.

Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; February 26, 2014)

Ali Zafar is eagerly looking forward to the special premiere of his film, Total Siyapaa, in Pakistan. The actor-singer hails from across the border and cannot wait to show the film to his family and friends there.

A team has already been sent to Karachi to finalise the venue and complete other formalities. It’s very rare that a Bollywood movie premieres in Pakistan, the only one in recent memory being Jannat.

The movie, directed by E Nivas, is a romantic comedy revolving around an Indian girl and a Pakistani guy, both based in London.

Produced by Neeraj Pandey and Shital Bhatia, it also features real-life couple Anupam and Kirron Kher, who will, for the first time, pair up on screen too.

Ali says, “It’s very exciting to know that a premiere will be held in Pakistan. I’ve already started discussing it with my family and friends and am looking forward to it.”

Total Siyapaa, produced by Friday Filmworks, Reliance Entertainment and ZEEL, releases March 7.