Controversial Film ‘Hamare Baarah’ Gets Green Light for Release after Content Alterations

The Bombay High Court has granted permission for the release of the contentious film ‘Hamare Baarah‘ after the filmmakers agreed to remove objectionable content. This decision came after Live Law reported that a division bench, comprising Justice BP Colabawalla and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla, issued the order allowing the film to be released.

The court’s ruling stated that ‘Hamare Baarah’ does not offend the religious sentiments of the Muslim community nor does it distort the teachings of the Quran; rather, the film aims to advocate for women’s empowerment. Initially surrounded by controversy due to its focus on overpopulation, the film, featuring actor Annu Kapoor, faced criticism over its original trailer, which the court deemed problematic.

After reviewing the final version of the movie, the bench confirmed that all objectionable scenes had been eliminated. The High Court highlighted that ‘Hamare Baarah’ depicts a Maulana misinterpreting the Quran, with one Muslim man objecting to this misrepresentation in a scene, emphasizing the need for critical thinking rather than blind adherence to such interpretations.

Furthermore, the court imposed a Rs 5 lakh fine on the filmmakers for releasing a trailer that contained uncertified scenes. The penalty was directed to be donated to a charity chosen by the petitioner, with the High Court stating that the legal action had inadvertently garnered the film significant unpaid publicity.

Following a temporary suspension by the Supreme Court last week, ‘Hamare Baarah’ had its release, originally scheduled for June 14, delayed. Allegations of derogatory content towards Islam and married Muslim women in India surrounded the film, with judges citing offense in the movie’s teaser during hearings.

A petition filed by Azhar Basha Tamboli asserted that the film, initially set for release on June 7 and later June 14, 2024, violated the Cinematograph Act of 1952, as well as related regulations and guidelines. The petition contended that the movie’s certification process was flawed and that its launch would breach constitutional provisions under Article 19(2) and Article 25.

The new release date for ‘Hamare Baarah’ remains undisclosed, with the entire affair under scrutiny by various media outlets including Business Standard Private Ltd.