The Karnataka government has banned the release of Annu Kapoor starer movie Hamare Baarah in the state for two weeks or until further notice on the pretext that if released this could lead to communal tensions. The decision was taken by the Karnataka High Court following the rules laid in the Cinema Regulations Act 1964, sections 15(1) and 15(5). Why was the movie banned The Karnataka government had alleged that the release of the movie could create communal tension in the state. The decision was taken after considering various requests from several minority organisations that had demanded a ban on release after watching the trailer of the film. The movie was slated to release on June 7 across the country.According to the Karnataka government, the producers Birender Bhagat, Ravi S Gupta, Sanjay Nagpal, and Sheo Balak Singh and director Kamal Chandra have misinterpreted verses of the Quran to make misleading and provocative remarks that could tarnish the communitys image and instigate communal hatred. The order read, “… since there are possibilities of communal riots after the release of the movie, to maintain law and order in the state, the movie will not be released in Karnataka for the next two weeks or until further orders.” Karnataka Govt has banned the release of #HumareBarah Movie for the next 2 weeks or next order. Various Muslim organisations have demanded a ban on this movie,alleging that verses of the Quran have been misinterpreted in this movie. Last week SDPI protested against the film.… pic.twitter.com/DgB0PSYEtQ— Syed Umar (@syedumar584) June 6, 2024Why is the movie controversialThe movie garnered widespread attention even before its release, facing backlash from viewers and members of the minority community that it was meant to propagate communal propaganda. Some people have said that the trailer of the film is so distressing and disturbing that it could lead to poison the minds of an entire generation. Because of the raging controversy, the trailer of the film was also taken down from various online platforms. The movie explores the theme of overpopulation, addressing an important developmental issue. The star cast of the film includes Annu Kapoor, Manoj Joshi, and Paritosh Tripathi. What did Annu Kapoor sayVeteran actor Annu Kapoor said that the writer of the movie is a Muslim and is suffering more because of the situation. He said he is an atheist and police had visited the houses of the entire cast because they had been receiving death threats, trolling and sloganeering against them.
