Sinlung /
13 August 2011

Bollywood Film on Caste Banned in India

A billboard for the Bollywood film "Aarakshan," or "Reservation" adorns a cinema in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011.
(AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)

3 states bar movie, worried it could infuriate lower castes

Three Indian states have banned a new Bollywood film that addresses the caste system. The film has already sparked the anger of lower caste groups, who say it fuels prejudice, the AP reports.

The lower caste groups, called Dalits, make up about a quarter of India’s population. The film, called Aarakshan, or “Reservation,” addresses quotas ("reservations') for caste members in education and government, the
Times of India reports.

Director Prakash Jha plans to edit out some of the controversial sections as he heads to the Supreme Court to call for an end to the state bans.

“We have agreed to make minor changes following objections. There are certain dialogues and scenes that have been edited,” he said.

Bahujan Samaj Party activists burn an effigy of Bollywood director Prakash Jha as they protest against the release of the film in the northern Indian state of Punjab, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011.

Protestors tear advertising for the film "Aarakshan," or "Reservation," in Mumbai, India, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011.
(AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)

Bollywood film director Prakash Jha, left, speaks as actors look on during a press conference to promote their new film "Aarakshan" in New Delhi, India, Friday, Aug. 5, 2011.
(AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

0 comments:

Post a Comment