Bombay High Court CLEARS Hamare Baarah for release, says Annu Kapoor starrer uplifts women and doesn’t discredit Islam
The Bombay High Court has cleared the way for the release of the film Hamare Baarah, starring actor Annu Kapoor. The court dismissed petitions challenging the movie, stating it found nothing objectionable in the film’s content that could be seen as offensive to the Muslim community or the Quran.
Court’s observations on Hamare Baarah:
Focus on Women’s Empowerment: The judges observed that Hamare Baarah actually promotes the upliftment of women. They highlighted a scene where a Muslim man confronts a Maulana who misinterprets the Quran. The court viewed this as a message encouraging critical thinking and not blindly following religious figures.
No Incitement to Violence: The court firmly stated that the movie wouldn’t incite violence and that the Indian public is discerning enough not to be misled.
Background of the Hamare Baarah controversy:
Earlier in June, petitions were filed against the film, alleging it portrayed the Muslim community in a negative light and misrepresented the Quran. The High Court initially delayed the release, but later allowed it with the condition that certain scenes deemed objectionable by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) be removed.
Court’s warning on Hamare Baarah trailer and religious sensitivity:
The court did criticize the film’s makers for releasing the initial trailer before receiving CBFC certification. A penalty will be imposed, with the amount directed towards a charity chosen by the petitioners.
While acknowledging creative freedom, the court cautioned filmmakers to be mindful of content that could hurt religious sentiments. They emphasized that respect for all religions, including Islam (India’s second-largest), is crucial.
The petitioners also raised concerns about the film promoting domestic violence. The court countered this by stating that domestic violence isn’t restricted to a specific community.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Hamare Baarah actress Ankita Dwivedi reacts as court stays release on the film once again; says, “I feel disheartened”
