Prakash Jha's film Aarakshan hit theatres in Andhra Pradesh tonight after the government revoked its ban on the screening of the movie in the state.
The government's decision came after a five-member screening committee, constituted by it, watched the film along with representatives of SC, ST and backward class organisations and recommended to release the revised version of the film.
The committee in its report recommended release of the revised version, duly incorporating minor modifications suggested, which was voluntarily agreed to by the representative of the producer of the film.
"The government accepted the recommendations of the committee and has permitted the exhibition of the movie Aarakshan," Principal Secretary (Home) BP Acharya said.
The government on August 11, had issued orders suspending the screening of the film in theatres across the state on certain objections from the SC, ST, BC communities, initially for a period of one week, or till a decision was taken on receipt of the report of the committee.
A representative of Big Cinemas said the film opened to a good response in several places in the city.
"We had advance bookings for the 7 pm and 10 pm shows," he said.
{{/usCountry}}"We had advance bookings for the 7 pm and 10 pm shows," he said.
{{/usCountry}}Jha said it is a relief that his film is finally going to release in Andhra Pradesh.
"I'm overwhelmed by the show of support from the common citizens of India, who are going to watch the film."