Ban on Aarakshan hits small theatres

HYDERABAD: Just a day before Aarakshan was set to release in 16 theatres including multiplexes, curtains were drawn on it, with the state government banning its release on Thursday. With the ban in force, theatres cancelled its screening on Friday and began refunding money for advance tickets, with many booking tickets to catch the first day, first show. “People had already come to know through news channels that we would not be screening the movie on Friday. Many of them came in the morning and got their money refunded. Few of them chose to watch other movies being screened,” said Shashikanth, a supervisor at PVR Cinemas. It did not cause much inconvenience as recently released Telugu movies are being screened, he added. Prasad’s IMAX also put up a board telling viewers Aaarakshan screening has been postponed.However, smaller theatres had to cancel shows and suffer loss. One of the employees at Sensation theatre said since their theatre does not have advance booking, many people came all the way to the theatre and went back. “We had to cancel all shows,” he added.“Suspension of the film is deplorable, said AP Film Chamber president D Suresh Babu. “It is unfair to put off the screening after the censor board gave a green signal. If everyone acts as the censor board, all films will have to be banned,” he added.Terming the decision as immature, actress/ producer Lakshmi Manchu opined art’s freedom of expression must not be curtailed. Echoing the sentiment, singer Anuj Gurwara felt people are getting more sensitive. “Economic development portrayed as ‘progress’ of the nation is superficial. People have not progressed in their thoughts. It’s all about politics. If you don’t like the film don’t watch it,” he observed.On the other hand, AP SC Welfare general secretary G Shankar said though he hasn’t watched the film, he had seen the trailer and found parts of it offensive. “The SC community has been portrayed in a poor light as well the labour class. The filmmakers have forgotten that intellectuals like BR Ambedkar, KR Narayan and other national leaders are also from the community. This lopsided version has hurt our sentiments,” he remarked.“It is not a ban. It is a temporary suspension,” clarified state information and public relations commissioner Venkatesam, who is part of the five-member committee constituted by the government to review the film. Venkatesam said he would watch the film soon along with the rest of the committee members. “A decision will be taken about screening the film after the committee reviews it,” Venkatesam said.