The Bombay High Court on Wednesday allowed the release of the Annu Kapoor-starrer film “Hamare Baarah” after the filmmakers agreed to delete certain objectionable portions. Initially set for release on June 7 and then June 14, the film is now likely to hit the screens on June 21, 2024.
The film became the subject of a legal battle following several petitions filed in the high court, claiming it distorted the Quran and was derogatory towards the Islamic faith and the Muslim community. The pleas sought a ban on the movie’s release.
A bench of Justices B. P. Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla viewed the film and suggested specific changes, which both the filmmakers and the petitioners agreed to. Following this, the court mandated that the necessary changes be made before the film’s release.
The filmmakers confirmed that the required changes would be implemented and that a certificate would be obtained from the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC). The filmmakers are now planning to release the movie on June 21. Additionally, the high court imposed a cost of ₹5 lakh on the filmmakers for releasing the trailer before receiving CBFC certification.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
Earlier this month, the high court postponed the movie’s release. It later permitted the release after the filmmakers agreed to delete the objectionable portions as directed by the CBFC.
The petitioners then approached the Supreme Court, which last week stayed the release and directed the high court to hear and make an appropriate decision.
High Court’s Final Verdict
On Tuesday, the high court stated it had seen the movie and found nothing objectionable that contradicted the Quran or the Muslim community, noting that the film is, in fact, aimed at the upliftment of women. The court also remarked that the Indian public was “not gullible or silly.”
On Wednesday, the parties submitted consent terms to the court, indicating they had reached a consensus on removing certain objectionable portions and dialogues from the movie.
The changes include displaying a disclaimer for 12 seconds to allow viewers to read the text and including an extra verse from the Quran as requested by the petitioners.
The petitioners stated they had no objection to the movie’s release once the changes were made.
