The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court today declined to grant immediate relief to a caste-based outfit which sought a ban on Tamil film of popular director Bharathiraja to be released this week, saying a decision can be taken only after watching the film.
The petition contended the film "Annakodi", produced by Manoj Creations and slated for release on June 28, could lead to unrest in south Tamil Nadu as its story line was about an inter-caste love affair between a Thevar community girl and a Dalit boy.
When it came up before him, Justice N Kirubakaran said the state would take care of the law and order problem and unless the film was seen nothing could be done.
He also said he felt films could not banned on mere expression of fears and apprehensions and posted the petition to June 28 for hearing.
Petitioner A K Raghupathy, President of the Thevar Pasarai Iyakkam, submitted the contents of the film offended the Cinematography Act.
"We are shocked to find that the film contains objectionable scenes and dialogues which would incite people, and create communal disharmony and ill feelings among two classes of people".
He said "Bharathi Kannamma", a film with a similar story line released some years ago, had led to violence in southern districts.
He said he had sent a detailed representation to the state Chief Secretary, Central Board of Film Certification and Madurai District Collector among others seeking a ban on the screening of the film. But no action had been taken.
