‘Hamare Baarah’: Karnataka government bans release of Annu Kapoor starrer to prevent communal tension

The Karnataka government has prohibited the release or broadcast of Annu Kapoor starrer 'Hamare Baarah' in the state for two weeks or until further notice.

This is under the Karnataka Cinema Regulations Act 1964, sections 15(1) and 15(5). The government cited concerns that the movie's release could spark communal tension. This decision follows requests from various minority organizations and delegations and a review of the film's trailer.

'Hamare Baarah' was originally scheduled for release on June 7, 2024, nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court cleared the film's release after its producers approached the court against its previous order that stayed its release till June 14.

About the film

'Hamare Baarah', a film that delves into the theme of overpopulation, has attracted notice for its daring storytelling.

Featuring Annu Kapoor, Manoj Joshi, and Paritosh Tripathi, the movie faced serious concerns from its producers due to the imposed stay, given their substantial investments in production and distribution. This legal hurdle arose following a petition filed by activists from a specific religious community, contesting the film's release.

Co-produced by Birender Bhagat, Ravi S Gupta, Sanjay Nagpal, and Sheo Balak Singh, 'Hamare Baarah' is helmed by director Kamal Chandra.

In a prior interview with HT, Annu Kapoor discussed the film and the threats he and others involved had received: ‘Our writer for 'Hum Do Hamare Baaraah' is a Muslim; he is suffering more right now because of the situation. I am an atheist. Police have had to visit the houses of the entire female cast too because of death threats. Some fanatics are protesting on social media and spreading hatred. As a precaution, we had to inform the police and court.’

‘At a personal and an impersonal level, I’m an atheist. My director and producers thought that I was the right person who would be able to implement their vision on celluloid. So, I tried my best to justify my character. I’m not bothered about the rest. Films are a make-believe world where I’m chosen as an artist and my job is to justify my art,’ the actor said.

‘People talk about propaganda all the time. I’m not bothered about it. I would urge people to watch the film first and then decide what our film stands for. They haven’t watched it, so I don’t understand why they’re judging it,’ he added.

Previously, the CBFC granted ‘Hamare Baarah’ a U/A certification. They also asked the makers to make 11 changes starting with the title of the film. It was earlier christened ‘Hum Do Hamare Baarah’.

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