Maker of Sadda Haq protests ban on film, terms it 'shameful'

Chandigarh, April 6: Producer and actor of "Sadda Haq" (My Right) Kuljinder Sidhu protested the

on the

in his home state and termed it shameful. The film was released worldwide on Friday, April 5.

However, a day ahead of the release of the film on Thursday (April 4), Punjab government decided to ban the film fearing communal tension.

The neighbouring state of Haryana and the UT of Chandigarh have also banned the film.

The film is said to glorify the Khalistan separatist movement. Sidhu termed the ban "shameful" and a "black spot on democracy". Sidhu is also planning to move court to revoke the ban on his film.

"It's a black day in the country's democracy. It's unfair that a few bureaucrats watched the film and decided to impose a ban," Sidhu said. "I tried to seek an appointment with Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal to impress upon him that the decision was unjustified, but in vain."

"Instigated by a few anti-social elements, this impotent government got an excuse to ban my movie. When the censor board has approved it, and even the SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) has given a nod, I don't understand this ban. The CM and deputy CM should have been involved, but this is a decision taken by a few bureaucrats," added Sidhu.

The Punjabi film is said to be based on the events in the 1980s and 1990s when the state suffered from militancy. The film was slated to be released on Friday, April 5.

The ban on the film came after several senior government officials, including chief secretary of the state watched the film and decided to put a ban.

"The film was banned to maintain communal harmony in the state and it won't be released in theatres till further orders," said a statement from the government.

The film is said to glorify the Khalistan movement and its leaders Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale, Balbir Singh Rajoana and Jagtar Singh Hawara.

OneIndia News