Joining the Uttar Pradesh and Punjab governments' decision to invoke a ban on Prakash Jha's Aarakshan, the Andhra Pradesh government, too, has disallowed the film from releasing.
However, in stark contrast to the permanent bans the UP and Punjab government had placed, Andhra Pradesh has banned the film for one week or until such time a review commmittee can reach a decision. A government ordinance (GO) has been filed to this effect.
"In view of the representations received in the matter, as the exhibition of the film is likely to hurt the feelings of weaker sections, lead to protests and agitations, leading to breach of the peace and tranquility in teh State, it is hereby decided to suspend the exhibition of the Hindi film Aarakshan initially for a period of one week, or till a final decision is taken on the report of the Committeee constituted for the purpose, whichever is earlier," the order said.
All three states have taken this extreme measure to preempt any violence the controversial film might cause.
Aarakshan, as the name suggests, deals with the sensitive issue of reservation--most socio-political vigilance groups have taken a stand against the film, claiming it will misrepresent the cause of the backward classes. Prakash Jha, however, has denied any such allegations, stating the film is about the commercialisation of education rather than reservation itself.
The Central Board of Film Certification, also known as the Censor Board, feels the same, with Board chairwoman Leela Samson stating the film highlights the murkier side of the education system in India, using reservation as a medium to plough ahead.
Taking into account the violent protests on the run-up to the film, police cover has been beefed up for Amitabh Bachchan. About two dozen additional policemen have been deployed today outside Bachchan's homes, Prateeksha and Jalsa.
The additional deployment is a precautionary measure to tackle any law and order issues which may arise in the wake of the release of Prakash Jha's controversial film, Aarakshan. The film releases tomorrow, August 12. Mr Bachchan stars in the film, along with Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Manoj Bajpai.
Police have also been deployed outside Saif Ali Khan's home as a precautionary measure.
Earlier today, the Punjab government banned the release of Aarakshan in the state following apprehensions that some scenes and dialogues may trigger trouble. The Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP government said the ban will remain in force till screening committee constituted by the state previews the movie and submits its report.
The decision to ban the Amitabh Bachchan-Saif Ali Khan starrer was taken after receiving reports that Aarakhshan. has certain scenes/dialogues which may inflame the passion of some communities in Punjab, an official spokesman said today.
Yesterday, the Mayawati government had banned the film in UP for two months on the grounds that it could create law and order problem in the state.
The decision to ban the film which is due to hit the screens on Friday was taken following a recommendation by a high level official committee set up by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) government.
"The main theme of the movie is about commercialization of education followed by several objectionable dialogues against people from backward communities. There is no discussion on reservation in its second half. We have asked the Censor Board to make necessary changes in it," National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman P L Punia said.
The Punjab government has constituted a seven-member committee consisting of Samir Kumar, IAS, Secretary Home, Raj Kumar Atihai, Chairman Safai Karamchari Board, Punjab and Vijay Danav, Chairman, Scheduled Caste Welfare Board and a member of the Punjab Scheduled Caste Commission.
The Committee will give its report tomorrow after viewing the film, the official said.
A nine-member team of the Censor Board had given a U/A certificate to the film without any cuts.