THE CLIFF NEWS

In a swift reversal, the social media accounts of several Pakistani celebrities were geo-blocked again on Thursday, July 3, 2025 — just hours after they had become temporarily accessible in India due to what is now believed to be a technical glitch. The accounts, previously inaccessible since April, were briefly visible to Indian users on Wednesday, sparking intense debate and speculation online. However, once the lapse was reported, authorities moved quickly to restore the restrictions, reactivating the geo-blocks on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). Background: Security-Driven Ban This comes in the wake of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed several lives, including one Nepali national, and left many injured. Following the incident, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting issued a series of digital bans citing national security concerns. Sixteen Pakistani YouTube channels — including major news outlets such as Dawn News, ARY News, Samaa TV, Bol News, and Geo News — were taken down for allegedly spreading anti-India propaganda, misinformation, and communally sensitive content. Influencers and journalists such as Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, and Umar Cheema were also among those blocked. Celebrities Among the Blocked High-profile figures from the Pakistani entertainment and sports industries also remain inaccessible to Indian audiences. This includes: These accounts, though not officially listed in the YouTube ban, have been consistently unavailable to Indian users since May 2025, following a series of internal security assessments. OTT Platforms Also Affected In addition to individual bans, the Indian government issued an advisory to OTT platforms and streaming services, instructing them to stop hosting Pakistani-origin content — including films, web series, podcasts, and songs. The advisory referenced the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, emphasizing national sovereignty and public order as grounds for content regulation. The government has also warned intermediaries under Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules to prevent the sharing of any content that could “threaten the unity, integrity, defence, security or sovereignty of India.” Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate The momentary reappearance of these social media profiles triggered a flurry of reactions, both supportive and critical. While some users demanded a permanent block citing national interest, others questioned the long-term efficacy and consistency of such digital bans. As of now, the Indian government shows no sign of reversing the restrictions, maintaining that the measures are essential to counter “information warfare” and ensure digital sovereignty amid rising cross-border tensions.

Watching Metro… In Dino isn’t just about following interconnected stories on Mumbai’s rain-slicked streets — it’s about feeling them. Anurag Basu’s return to the anthology format (after 2007’s Life in a… Metro) is a delicate, poignant reminder that cinema can still be subtle and soulful in an era dominated by spectacle. Whispers of Connection in a Noisy World At its core, Metro… In Dino is about the quiet things — the moments between words, the weight of unsaid emotions, the pauses that often say more than monologues. Basu stitches together multiple storylines with remarkable restraint, allowing characters to breathe and scenes to unfold organically. The result is a film that speaks more through glances and silences than grand revelations. Each vignette is a slice of urban loneliness, love, or longing. Not all stories hit with equal force, and some characters could have used more flesh, but even in their brevity, they reflect life’s unpredictability and incompleteness. There’s beauty in the messiness. A Soundtrack That Speaks Pritam, along with Papon and Raghav Chaitanya, delivers a soundtrack that isn’t just background—it’s narrative. The songs glide in and out of scenes with the ease of rainfall on glass, enhancing moods without overwhelming them. Whether it’s a melancholic interlude or a hopeful refrain, the music becomes the invisible thread tying the stories together. Rain as Metaphor and Mood The monsoon isn’t just a setting — it’s a mood board. The rain in Metro… In Dino is never intrusive. It glistens off pavements, clings to windshields, reflects neon lights, and serves as both chaos and catharsis. It’s in the background of every emotional reckoning, quietly underscoring that healing, like rain, arrives when you least expect it. Cinematographer’s lens captures Mumbai not as a city of dreams, but as a city of quiet confrontations — with oneself, with others, and with the past. There’s a softness in the visuals, a lived-in feel, like re-reading an old diary. Verdict: A Film That Lingers Metro… In Dino is not for everyone. If you’re looking for fast-paced thrills, this may not hit the mark. But if you’re someone who values storytelling that simmers slowly, characters that feel real, and visuals that feel like poetry — this film will stay with you. Yes, some arcs might leave you wanting more. But perhaps that’s intentional. After all, not every encounter has a clean resolution. Sometimes, just crossing paths is enough. And when the credits roll, you may find yourself staring out at the rain, just a little quieter, a little more thoughtful — and that’s the quiet magic of Anurag Basu’s cinema.