English
The controversial Punjabi film ‘Kaum De Heere’ based on the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, have been banned by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Home Ministry and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film was banned after citing the possibility of Law and order problem in Punjab.
The decision was taken collectively by I&B Ministry, Home Ministry and CBFC after watching the film of Kaum De Heere on August 21. Leela Samson, CBFC Chairperson declared on the basis of the recommendation by the Home Ministry on the reviewing the movie that “We saw the film and decided that it will not be released tomorrow.” She added, “Because of the law and order situation that might result from the showing of the film and based on the ministry of Home Affairs report, the Home Ministry, the CBFC and I&B officials have decided that.”
The Information and Broadcasting ministry was asked to review it and then give clearance to the movie, as the content in the film was “highly objectionable” and may create enmity between communities and lead to communal tension said the Home Ministry. The Information and Broadcast Ministry and Home Ministry came to a conclusion to ban the movie from releasing it as it may affect the communal harmony in Punjab and other northern states.
The film was based on the lives of the assassins (Beant Singh, Satwant Singh and Kehar Singh) of the late PM. According to the media reports Central Board Rakesh Kumar gave clearance for the movie after taking bribe of Rs 1 lakh, who was nabbed for corruptions recently by CBI.
Congress and BJP in Punjab have also demanded a ban on the film. Samson justified the ban by saying that according to the rule 32 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 1983, the Central Government may, if it considers necessary to do, direct the Chairman to re-examine any film (in respect of which a complaint has been received by it directly or through the Board) in such manner with such assistance as may be specified in the direction.
The rule says that under section6 the Chairman shall forward his/her opinion with the print of the film in relation to which a certificate was issued earlier to the Central Government who may after such enquiry as it deems fit, pass such orders thereon in exercise of the revisional powers.
The film’s producer, Pradeep Bansal, has denied the allegations and said that the film is based on true incidents as per the research of the Justice Thakkar Commission which had engineered the assassination of Gandhi. He said, “It is a completely balanced film wherein no religion or sect has been belittled. Some people are unnecessarily trying to create a controversy without watching the movie.”
The Central Board has approved the film with ‘A certificate’ which is due to be released in north India in more than 100 cinema halls. Gandhi was shot dead by her two Sikh bodyguards at her official residence in New Delhi on October 31, 1984.
-By Shri Krishna Iyer
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Entertainment News on India.com.
