K’taka bans ‘Hamare Baarah’, says it may disturb harmony

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The Congress government in Karnataka has banned the screening of the controversial Hindi film “Hamare Baarah” in the state, alleging that it may disturb communal harmony.

The Home Department issued the order following representations from various Muslim organisations. The film, starring veteran actor Annu Kapoor in the lead role, was set to release on Friday.

Muslim groups from different districts and taluks petitioned the state government, accusing the filmmakers of “defaming” the community and “misinterpreting” verses from the Qur’an’s Surah alBaqarah.

They expressed concern that the film’s release could disturb law and order and create communal disharmony.

On Thursday, Home Department under-secretary BK Bhuvanendra Kumar issued the order banning the release of the film and its trailer in electronic media, social media, cinema theatres, private television channels and other media for two weeks or until further notice.

The ban was imposed under sections 15(1) and 15(5) of the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1964.

Although Section 15(2) of the Act requires the gover nment to issue a notice to the filmmakers before imposing a ban, the order stated that there was not enough time to fulfill this requirement because the film’s director, Kamal Chandra, and producers Birendra Bhagat, Ravi S Gupta, Sheo Balak Singh, Sanjay Nagpal and others reside outside Karnataka.

The organisations claimed that Zee Media recently released trailer off 'Hamare Baarah’ in which the Muslim religion is portrayed in a “humiliating manner” and the trailer is “provocative”.