Karnataka bans screening ‘Hamare Baarah’ after Muslim organisations raise concerns.

From The Hindu, the English edition of Mathrubhumi (newspaper from Kerala State) and Book my Show cinema tickets

“Hamare Baarah” tells the story of Manzoor Ali Khan Sanjari, who, despite losing his first wife during childbirth, continues to have more children with his second wife, now pregnant with her sixth. When doctors warn that the pregnancy risks her life, Khan refuses an abortion. His daughter Alfiya, determined to save her stepmother, takes her father to court to demand the abortion. The film explores whether Alfiya can convince her father and the court, and questions the entrenched patriarchy in their society.

Bengaluru: Karnataka government has banned the screening of the Hindi movie ‘Hamare Baarah’ for at least two weeks after some Muslim organisations raised concerns.

According to the order, the showing of the film or its trailer has been stalled under the Karnataka Cinemas Regulation Act, 1964. Under Secretary, Home Department, B.K. Bhuvanendra Kumar issued the order stalling the release of the film and its trailer in electronic media, social media, cinemas, private television channels, and other media.

The Government Order came a day ahead of its scheduled release on Friday. Several Muslim organisations had raised concerns over the “provocative” and “insulting” portrayal of the community in the film.

The release of the film and its trailer is stalled in electronic media, social media, film theatres, private television channels or other media. The order said several Muslim organisations had appealed to the government not to allow the screening of the movie which portrays Islam in an “instigative and  derogatory manner”, and giving permission to such a film would lead to hatred between faiths and communities.

The organisations said a conspiracy has been going on to target a particular faith, disturb peace and hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims.

The Bombay High Court has also withheld the film’s release until June 14.

Actor Manoj Joshi, who is part of the much-anticipated film Hamare Baarah, reacted to the controversy surrounding the Hindi film. Speaking to ANI, Manoj Joshi said, “I am an artist, I have done this film, but some people have opposed it. This movie was not made to target any religion. Today, there are discussions about respecting the women of our country. In any society, there should be no disrespect to women. A woman is not an object or a thing; she should be respected, as it has been happening in India.” he said. “Secondly, the film talks about various topics such as education, upbringing, employment, women’s respect and empowerment, and population. So, everyone should watch this film with their families.”