CPM deplores Govt decision on movie

Shiv Sena activists attacked cinema theatres in Mumbai and Delhi where the film was being screened on the grounds that the film depicted some scenes which the Sena said were not conducive to public morality and traditional family values. After the theatres were vandalised by the Shiv sainiks, the government on Friday decided to refer the film to the Central Board of Film Certification for re-examination.

The CPI(M) politbureau in a statement said the behaviour of the Shiv sainiks showed their intolerance and the subsequent decision of the BJP-led government to stop the film’s screening is anattempt to appease the sainiks.

The party has demanded that all those involved in the violent incidents concerning the film should be arrested and action taken against them under the law.

Meanwhile, brushing aside his reaction to the film’s content, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Saturday, “The film has been sent back for recertifying to the Censor Board. We will wait for their comments.” Asked why it was sent again to the Censor Board, he said, “There have been several instances when there has been violence after which government has referred the film to the Censor Board.” However, when asked to relate one such instance, he did not specify.

Commenting on the violence allegedly created by Shiv sainiks at cinema halls screening the film in Delhi and Mumbai, he said, “I am not supporting or justifying the violence. The perpetrators of the violence will be punished.”