The Haryana Government on Friday banned the screening of the film ‘The legend of Michael Mishra’ in the State till further orders. Punjab Government banned the film on Thursday for two months.
A decision in this regard was taken in view of the reports that there was resentment among members of the Valmiki community regarding some objectionable utterances in a part of the film, said an official spokesman.
The film, produced by Kishore Arora and directed by Munish Jha, was released on Friday.
The spokesman said the State Government had received information that certain organisations and individuals were protesting against the exhibition of this film, as the lead actor, Arshad Warsi, in a scene utters objectionable words which have the potential to outrage the religious feelings of the Valmiki community.
He said acting on a complaint, a committee headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Hema Sharma, was constituted by Deputy Commissioner Panchkula, Garima Mittal. This committee also included as members Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner, RK Chaudhary, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Headquarters, Mukesh Malhotra, and the District Information and Public Relations Officer.
After watching the film, the committee recommended that it was essential to take necessary action in stopping the release of this film in cinema halls and multiplexes as its release could cause communal violence and damage to public and private property, causing a serious law and order situation, he said.
Therefore, with a view to maintain peace and social harmony, the State Government has suspended the exhibition of the film under Section 6 of the Punjab Cinema (Regulation) Act, 1952, with immediate effect and during this suspension, the film would be deemed to be an uncertified film throughout the state. This order would remain in force for eight weeks until further orders, added the spokesman.