Actress Kalki Koechlin says the ban on National Award winning courtroom drama "Court" in Bengaluru is not only disappointing, but shocking.
"Shocked, dismayed but mostly sad that @CourtTheFilm is not showing in cinemas in Bangalore because of regional politics," Kalki, who loved the movie for its "non-judgmental, gut-wrenching" nature, tweeted.
According to reports, the Chaitanya Tamhane directorial was banned due to issues raised by local authorities.
An unverified account of "Court" on social networking site Facebook shared the reluctance by the local authority over the film and their fight to get it released in the city.
"SAD NEWS: It saddens us to no end, but unfortunately we have to declare this - COURT will not be playing in Bangalore. We tried in every way we could, but were confronted with circumstances that go beyond the world of artistic freedom.
"We were only constantly told that 'It's a sensitive, political, and risky situation'. The precise nature of the issue, the actual names of the people and associations who might object - we don't know ourselves. But we do know for a fact that it has nothing to do with the nature or content of the film, or the availability of the slots in theatres. The entire team is crestfallen; everyday we get so many queries and requests from Bangalore - well, we tried," the post read.
The movie is about a trial which unfolds in a lower court where the hopes and dreams of the city's ordinary people play out. It is being appreciated for its attempt to bring the truth inside a courtroom to the big screen.