Vicky Kaushal's Uri that released on January 11 failed to find a theatrical release in Pakistan. And now, Nawazuddin Siddqui starrer Thackeray, which released yesterday on January 25 will see the same fate. Apparently, the movie will not release in the neighbouring state. While we have not heard anything from Thackeray makers, Uri director Aditya Dhar in an interview to PTI had said, "The film is about how Indian Army fought terrorism. Our focus in the film is about how to fight against terrorism. There is nothing anti-Pakistan. We are not fighting against any individual or country; we are fighting against the cross-border terrorism that is happening. We have shown a balanced perspective."

Interestingly, Uri director's first movie Raabta was to star Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in the lead role. However, the Uri strikes was followed by not just surgical strikes, but also a ban on Pakistani artistes. When asked about the ban, actor Vicky Kaushal had said, "I would rather have that one army official feel, "Okay" and not feel unfair about it ki hum toh yaar kya kya kar rahe hain desh ke liye aur yahaan to ticketein bik rahi hain."

The actor had also said how he was unclear about his thoughts initially, "Jab yeh hua tha my mind was dilly-dally ki yaar yeh sahi hai ya galat hai. Kyunki, unhonein personally toh kuch nahin kiya. But, I used to feel how else to give a silent protest? How else?...How else? Ki aap bolo ki nahin hum nahin allow karenge taaki you go and question your own government. You go and question your siyaasat and administration that what are we doing? Why are we going so wrong? Or what is going on that we have to face this in our adjoining country? Mujhe woh bhi lagta tha but at the same time you feel ki, "How would an army person feel who's lost his brother and then get to know that ki arey yaar ki somebody, like, my neighbour is going for a film of a person who's belong...it's sad that hes just an artiste, he is just a civillian who probably loves Indian, who loves Pakistanis and Indians equally. We would love ki bhaichaara badhe and sab kuch sahi ho, ek doosre ke yahaan travel kare and sab kuch. Toh woh ek unfortunate feeling hai." Also read: Thackeray Movie Review

We wonder what Thackeray makers have to say about Balasaheb Thackeray's biopic ban in Pakistan. While Nawaz has garnered praise for his portrayal of the Late Shiv Sena chief. The actor was not the original choice for this role. Apparently, the makers wanted to rope in Irrfan Khan for the biopic, however the actor's Lunchbox co-star landed the part ultimately.

Thackeray is directed by Abhijit Panse, written by Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut and is produced by  Viacom18 Motion Pictures.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 26, 2019 08:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).