The Bombay High Court has granted permission for the release of the Annu Kapoor-starrer “Hamare Baarah” after the filmmakers agreed to remove portions deemed objectionable. The film is now set to hit theatres on June 21. This decision follows a series of legal challenges and petitions that claimed the film was derogatory towards the Muslim community.
A division bench comprising Justice BP Colabawalla and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla passed the order, emphasizing that the film does not harm the sentiments of the Muslim community but instead aims to uplift women. “The movie is in fact for the upliftment of women,” the court noted, adding that the narrative includes a Maulana misinterpreting the Quran, which is challenged by a Muslim man in the film, highlighting the need for critical thinking.
Initially slated for a June 7 release, “Hamare Baarah” faced multiple petitions calling for a ban due to its alleged misrepresentation of the Quran and offensive content. After reviewing the film, the High Court postponed its release to June 14, contingent upon the removal of specific scenes as directed by the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC).
The petitioners subsequently approached the Supreme Court, which imposed a stay on the film’s release, describing the teaser as “offensive.” The Supreme Court ordered the suspension of the movie’s screening until the High Court addressed the petitions.
Despite the controversy, the film has generated significant public interest with its bold narrative. Critics argued that the trailer contained crude and communal propaganda, potentially influencing viewers negatively. Following public backlash, the trailer was pulled from online platforms shortly after its release on May 30, and the film was banned in Karnataka.
In response to the criticism, lead actor Annu Kapoor urged the public to watch the film before forming an opinion. “At a personal and an impersonal level, I’m an atheist. My director and producers thought that I was the right person to implement their vision on celluloid. I tried my best to justify my character,” Kapoor said. He emphasized that films are a form of art, and his role as an artist is to bring his character to life, irrespective of the controversy.
