In the wake of controversy stirred by its “uncensored” trailer, the Bombay High Court has granted clearance for the Annu Kapoor-starrer ‘Hamare Baarah,’ subject to specific changes. The producers agreed to implement these modifications before the film’s scheduled release on Friday. Previously, the film was slated for release on June 7 and then June 14 but faced delays due to legal challenge.
High Court's Decision
On Tuesday, Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla viewed the film and determined that it conveys a social message promoting women’s empowerment. They proposed several changes to address the concerns raised in the petitions, which both the filmmakers and the petitioners accepted.
Required Modifications
The court-mandated changes include:
- Displaying two disclaimers about Sharia law, one in English and one in Hindi, each for 12 seconds. Senior advocate Rahul Narichania assured that this duration is sufficient for viewers to read.
- Muting two dialogues and three specific words within a dialogue.
- Silencing an Arabic recitation of a Quranic verse at the beginning of the film.
- Adding an extra verse from the Quran as requested by the petitioners.
Legal Battle and Costs
The film became the center of a legal dispute after multiple petitions claimed it distorted the Quran and was offensive to the Islamic faith and the Muslim community. Petitioners sought a ban on its release. The Supreme Court recently stayed the film's release and directed the Bombay High Court to make an appropriate decision. Following the High Court's review and suggested modifications, the court stated that the film did not contain anything objectionable against the Quran or the Muslim community.
Additionally, the High Court imposed a ₹5 lakh fine on the filmmakers for releasing the trailer before obtaining certification from the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC).
Consensus Reached
On Wednesday, all parties involved submitted consent terms to the court, agreeing to the proposed changes. With these adjustments, the petitioners withdrew their objections, allowing the film to proceed with its planned release on June 21.
FAQs
Q: What is 'Hamare Baarah' about?
A: 'Hamare Baarah' is a film starring Annu Kapoor, focusing on the lives of married Muslim women and aiming to convey a message of women’s empowerment.
Q: Why was the film controversial?
A: The controversy arose from claims that the film distorted the Quran and portrayed the Islamic faith and the Muslim community in a derogatory manner.
Q: What modifications were required by the Bombay High Court?
A: The court required the addition of disclaimers about Sharia law, muting specific dialogues and words, silencing an Arabic Quranic recitation, and including an extra verse from the Quran.
Q: When will the film be released?
A: Following the modifications, 'Hamare Baarah' is set to be released on June 21.
Q: What was the legal outcome of the petitions against the film?
A: The Bombay High Court approved the film for release with modifications, and the petitioners agreed to these changes, allowing the film to proceed.
