The release of Arshad Warsi- and Aditi Rao Hydari-starrer ‘The Legend of Michael Mishra’, scheduled to be released on Friday across the nation, has been suspended for two months for now by the Punjab government. A government spokesperson on Thursday informed that the decision was taken keeping in view the prevailing strong resentment among the Balmiki community over some references to Maharishi Balmiki.
Assistant inspector general intelligence, Jalandhar, Mandeep Singh confirmed the development. The row has led to a series of protests in Jalandhar city from the past one week.
According to the consensus between the administration and Balmiki unions, a preview of the movie was arranged for the community at Big Cinemas at Viva College Mall in Jalandhar at 9 pm on Wednesday.
“We requested the filmmakers to delete some scenes that the Balmiki community members are raising objection on, but the scenes are still a part of the movie. They have only muted the volume,” said Mandeep Singh.
In a meeting held in Chandigarh on Wednesday, inspector general of police intelligence Gaurav Yadav had reportedly asked the members of Safai Mazdoor Federation to watch the movie first and decide if deleting the scenes will be enough. Else, they will ban its screening in the entire state.
Nearly 50 people of Balmiki community from the city attended the screening along with the officials and demanded the ban.
{{/usCountry}}Nearly 50 people of Balmiki community from the city attended the screening along with the officials and demanded the ban.
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