After UP 'Aarakshan' banned in Punjab

After Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh on Thursday banned Prakash Jha's film 'Aarakshan' on the eve of its release over certain controversial scenes and dialogues, which the director said he is ready to delete.

The security for the film's lead cast-Amitabh Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan has also been beefed up by the Mumbai police.

The film is due to hit the screens tomorrow.

The ban imposed by Punjab government will be in force till a screening committee constituted by it previews the movie and submits its report.

The government feared that some scenes and dialogues in the film may trigger trouble.

Hours after the ban in Punjab was announced, the Andhra Pradesh government decided to suspend the exhibition of the film initially for a period of one week, or till a final decision is taken on the report of the Committee constituted for the purpose, whichever is earlier.

The AP government cited the likelihood of the film hurting the feelings of weaker sections that could lead to protests and agitations and breach of the peace and tranquillity in the State for suspending the film for a week.

The UP government last night banned the film for two months citing law and order problem.

Jha, who held a press conference in Mumbai, said he was ready to make minor changes in the film, respecting concerns voiced by different political bodies.

"We have agreed to make minor changes following objections. There are certain dialogues and scenes that have been edited. Reservation is not a necessity but a Constitutional truth and we have been very careful about depicting it in the film," Jha said.

When asked about the ban in some states, Jha said he is trying to resolve the matter amicably.

The director said his film is not only about reservation but also deals with the commercialisation of education.

"It (the ban) could be because of political reasons. We are discussing the matter with people there. With a sensitive issue like this there is always doubt but we are trying to discuss and resolve it. What else can I do," he said.