Amid India-Pakistan tensions, Sarzameen undergoes changes, Lahore 1947 being re-evaluated; details inside

Despite the ongoing ceasefire between Pakistan and India, the legacy of the tense military situation is still felt in Bollywood. Several film projects are reportedly revising their scripts or conducting internal assessments to delete or erase any mention of Pakistan.

Sarzameen faces script and dubbing changes

Kajol (Salaam Venky), Prithviraj Sukumaran (Cold Case), and Ibrahim Ali Khan-starring Sarzameen is one of the first to feel the effects. The political thriller is undergoing partial dubbing and was initially scheduled for a May 30 release.

Although the film never directly addressed Pakistan, its setting in Kashmir made some parts seem politically charged given the present atmosphere. A source close to the production told Mid-Day that they are redubbing some parts, adding that the film was originally scheduled to premiere on May 30.

Lahore 1947 undergoes reevaluation

Lahore 1947 starring Sunny Deol (Chup: Revenge of the Artist) and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, is another one in the works. Following Partition, the film follows a Muslim family as they move to Lahore.

There has been a reevaluation of the film because it runs counter to popular opinion. A source informed the tabloid that the team must find a way to make it work in light of the current scenario without jeopardising the tale or appearing disrespectful.

YRF denies rumours of script changes in upcoming films

Reportedly, Yash Raj Films (YRF) is changing up its storytelling style for future spy universe films after featuring Pakistani characters prominently in films like Pathaan (2023) and Tiger 3 (2023).

According to a source who spoke with the tabloid, the approach is to shift focus to shadowy terror networks and rogue agencies without geographical identifiers. This is in reference to the fact that Pathaan villain Jim (John Abraham) led an apolitical criminal organisation.

A clarification was provided by the production house in response to suspicions that YRF's future films War 2 and Alpha are also undergoing modifications. A YRF representative assured the tabloid that none of these claims that are circulating are true. Pathaan 2, Alpha, and War 2 are unrelated to Pakistan. Since there are no adjustments that need to be made, War 2 and Alpha have already been shot. Tiger is an Indian spy; Zoya is married to an Indian spy. So, the Tiger franchise is absolutely secure.

Love & War unaffected by political climate

Not every film about a conflict is being reviewed. Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal's Love & War—directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali—remains unaltered. The filmmaker has set his drama in a magical, ethereal realm. The film spans from 1960 to 1965, with the wars only appearing in the background. To the tabloid, a trade analyst noted that the romantic tale takes central stage.

The digital promotional assets of Pakistani actors are likewise being removed. The cover art for the 2016 album Sanam Teri Kasam no longer features Mawra Hocane. Similarly, Shah Rukh Khan's Raees (2017) co-star Mahira Khan has had her image deleted from the Spotify album cover. The songs from Abir Gulaal by Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor have also been removed from Apple Music and Spotify.