Released today worldwide
Three Indian states have banned new movie 'Aarakshan' because of the controversial issue of eductaion quotas for low-caste people.
Ther northen states of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh in the south, banned the movie down to fears it may cause law and order problems in India.
Critics have said that the movie uses offensive terms to describe low-caste Hindus.
Director Prakash Jha, who is known for making movies on controversial social issues, denies the charge completly.
Officials have said that the ban in Utter Pradesh will last for two months. And authorities in Punjab have said they will decide whether to show the movie after a government panel reviews it.
Posters of the movie have been vandalised by protesters, who say that the movie makes derogatory references to low-caste Dalits. The casting of Muslim actor Saif Ali Khan is also proving controversial as he is playing a low-caste Hindu.
The movie has however been passed by India's Censor Board and its director and actors have been defending the movie.
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan who plays the role of a college principal in the movie said on his Twitter page: "Back from #aarakshan... Have cried at our helplessness in not making people understand that this art needs to be seen not banned!! (Sic)"
Many Bollywood stars have condenmed the banning of the movie. Including actor, director and producer Karan Johar. Who tweeted: "Cinema is a medium of expression...democracy allows the freedom of expression...is this only in theory??? And who stands accountable?? SAD. (Sic)"
Have you watched 'Aarakshan' yet? If so tell us what you think of the movie below.
Female First Haleema Shabir
Tagged in AMITABH BACHCHAN