UP govt considering banning Aamir Khan starrer Mangal Pandey — The Rising

Confirming that the government was indeed exploring several options, including banning shows of the film in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav told The Indian Express late on Sunday that ‘‘his government was examining the film after charges that the script had showed the freedom war hero visiting a brothel’’. No mention was made of Pandey’s native village Nagwa either, which was found highly objectionable”.

‘‘These are issues related to the legendary hero and cannot be taken lightly, since it hurts public sentiments and will be banned if the allegations are found to be true,’’ he added.

According to senior officials in the Chief Minister’s office, the entertainment department as been instructed ‘‘by the highest level’’ to watch the film and send a detailed report on its content, screenplay, depiction of characters and UP’s portrayal in the film, to the Chief Minister’s office within two days.

The tough stand of the state government, sources say, stemmed from the bitter opposition to certain scenes in the film, by the ruling Samajwadi Party cadres in several parts of eastern UP — a key constituency of the ruling party.

Legislators from the region have already brought the frayed tempers in the region to the notice of the Chief Minister and have expressed fears that unless the government took prompt action, things could spin out of control.

The Samjawadi Party leaders from Ballia have also sought intervention of the senior leader of the SP, Janeshwar Mishra, in this regard.

When contacted, Mishra told this newspaper that the party was ‘‘bitterly opposed to distorting history’’ and said if the charges were found correct, he would raise the matter in the upper House and seek explanations from the Film Censor Board on how could such a film be allowed.

‘‘I will see the film within a day or two and decide on the future course of action,’’ he added.

‘‘It is highly unreasonable for film producers to distort facts and history just for making the film glamorous and fit in some songs,’’ he fumed.