AP Govt permits Aarakshan with revisions

The Andhra Pradesh Government on Saturday lifted the ban on the screening of Hindi film "Aarakshan" in all cinema theatres across the state. Earlier, the government had imposed a ban on film's release initially for a period of one week or till a decision is taken on receipt of the report of the committee constituted for the purpose, whichever is earlier. The committee along with representatives of the SC/ST/BC organisations have the film on August 12 and furnished its report to the government.

The committee commended the theme of the film 'Aarakshan' and recommended to release the revised version, as show to the members of the committee, duly incorporating the minor modification suggest, which was voluntarily agreed to by the representative of the film's producer Prakash Jha.

Government principal secretary (Home) BP Acharya issued a GO on Saturday stating that, "Government after careful consideration of the matter have accepted the recommendations of the committee and hereby permit the exhibition of the Hindi film "Aarakshan" duly incorporating the minor modification."

The film, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Deepika Padukone and Prateik Babbar among others, was originally scheduled for release on August 12. Now with the state government revoking the ban on its release, the film is likely to be screened from Sunday.