Bombay High Court allows release of ‘Hamare Baarah’ after deletion of objectionable scenes
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday approved the release of the film ‘Hamare Baarah’ after the producers agreed to remove problematic sequences. With this, the film will open in theaters on June 21, 2024.
The court judgment came in response to a writ petition that sought to ban ‘Hamare Baarah’ on the grounds that it depicted Islam and Muslims negatively and misinterpreted the Quran.
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The case was heard by a division bench comprised of Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla. Both parties consented to the court’s requested changes, which included the removal of a specific dialogue and a Quranic phrase. In addition, the film will feature two 12-second disclaimers.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has agreed to re-certify the film with the modifications by June 20, 2024.
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Filmmakers to cover a legal cost Rs 5 lakh
The filmmakers will also pay Rs 5 lakh in legal fees to the petitioner’s selected charity. “There was a violation with the trailer. As a result, you will be required to make a donation to the petitioner’s preferred charity. The cost will have to be paid. “This litigation has given the film a lot of free publicity,” the judge stated during a hearing on Tuesday.
During the last hearing, the bench stated that the film starring Annu Kapoor had “nothing objectionable” or anything against the Quran or the Muslim community. It further stated that ‘Hamare Baarah’ wanted to elevate women.
The bench further stated that the audience was not expected to “keep their brains at home” and that the Indian population was “not gullible or silly”.
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The Bombay High Court first postponed the release of “Hamare Baarah,” but it later authorized it on June 7 when the makers stated that the problematic portions will be removed as recommended by the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC).
The petitioners then petitioned the Supreme Court, which last week blocked the film’s release and ordered the High Court to hear and make an appropriate conclusion.
