Deepika Padukone cannot be gagged – whether it is the attempts to ban her own film Padmavati, or a film across the border, she is boldly taking a stand. She has come out in support of Verna, the Pakistani film starring Mahira Khan. Deepika has criticised the ban on this topical, sensitive film by the Pakistan Censor Board, which has refused to clear the film.

Asked about the ban on the Shoaib Mansoor directorial Verna, Deepika declared, “Yes, it’s sad that a small section of people don’t understand the power of cinema and what it can do to the world. It brings people together, it spreads love, it’s fascinating what cinema can do and it’s sad that a certain group of people choose to not recognize that.”

The fate of Verna, which was scheduled to be premiered on Tuesday, is murky as apparently the Sindh Board of Film Censors (SBFC) has found its subject objectionable. According to General Secretary, Abdul Razzaq Khuhawar, “The topic is rape, and the culprit is the governor’s son. The film doesn’t have to be banned, and can be tweaked and censored a bit to be deemed fit for release.” Verna evidently deals with the issue of rape and how it is used for power. This premise has become a point of controversy, jeopardising the film’s release.

Deepika has been speaking out fearlessly in support of her own film, Padmavati as well. “It's appalling, it's absolutely appalling. What have we gotten ourselves into? And where have we reached as a nation? We have regressed,” she declared recently, speaking against the violent protests against the film. She has also pointed out, “The only people we are answerable to is the Censor Board, and I know and I believe that nothing can stop the release of this film… This is not about Padmavati... we are fighting a much bigger battle. I feel proud to be a part of this film, and to tell this story, which needs to be told. And it needs to be told now.”

Now that’s the spirit worthy of a brave queen!