Amid the ban on Joyland’s nationwide release, actors Osman Khalid Butt and Sarwat Gillani has spoken up in support of the film.

Sarwat, who is a part of this venture, stated: “Shameful that a Pakistani film made by 200 Pakistanis over 6 years that got standing ovations from Toronto to Cairo to Cannes is being hindered in its own country. Don’t take way this moment of pride and joy from our people.”

On the other hand, Osman Khalid Butt also came out in support of the film and said: “Can our cinema please, for once, not be held hostage by what seems to be an entirely arbitrary Ordinance?”

“If the themes of Joyland (and this is a hypothesis – I haven’t seen the film) are too sensitive/mature for general audiences, then give it an appropriate rating. There’s precedent. But don’t deprive us of watching the film, remarked OB.”