Govt. Permits Aarakshan, With Cuts

The Andhra Pradesh Government on Saturday lifted the ban on the screening of Hindi film Aarakshan in all cinema theatres across the state.

Earlier, the government had imposed a ban on the film's release initially for a period of one week or till a decision is taken on receipt of the report of the committee constituted for the purpose, whichever is earlier.

The committee, along with representatives of SC/ST/BC organisations, watched the movie on 12 August, and furnished its report to the government.

In fact, the committee commended the theme of the film, recommending a release of the revised version, as shown to the committee. The revisions were suggested by the committee and were agreed to by a representative of the film's producer Prakash Jha.

Government principal secretary (Home) B P Acharya issued a GO on Saturday, stating, "The government, after careful consideration of the matter, has accepted the recommendations of the committee, and hereby permits the exhibition of the Hindi film Aarakshan, duly incorporating the minor modification."

The film, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Deepika Padukone and Prateik Babbar, among others, was originally scheduled for release on 12 August.

Now, with the state government revoking the ban on its release, the film is likely to be screened from Sunday. (INN)