"This movie was not made to target any religion": Manoj Joshi on 'Hamare Baarah' film controversy

Surat (Gujarat) [India], June 6 : Actor Manoj Joshi, who is all set to come up with the much-anticipated film 'Hamare Baarah', reacted to the controversy surrounding the film.
Speaking to ANI, Manoj Joshi said, "I am an artist, I have done this film, but some people have opposed it. I am specifically saying that this movie was not made to target any religion. Today, there are discussions about the respect of women in our country. In any society, there should be no disrespect to women. A woman is not an object or a thing; she should be respected, as has been happening in this land of India. Secondly, that film talks about various topics such as education, upbringing, employment, women's respect and empowerment, and population. So, everyone should watch this film with their families."
The film has been in the headlines after the Bombay High Court had put the stay till June 14. However, on Thursday, the Bombay High Court lifted the injunction on the release of the 'Hamare Baarah' during an evening hearing.
The court has instructed the respondents to form a committee comprising three members, including at least one Muslim member, to watch the movie and provide their report by 9 am tomorrow.
Unless the court alters its decision, the film is permitted to be released, with the first show scheduled for 10.00 am tomorrow.
The court documents reveal a heated argument between the petitioner and respondents regarding the objectionable content in the film's teaser.
However, the court has taken note of the removal of certain dialogues and the film's certification process.
It has emphasised the need for the committee to focus solely on the theme of the movie and the claims made in the petition.
The order also specifies that any objections raised by the petitioner will be considered by the court by tomorrow morning, ensuring a fair and balanced decision-making process.
This ruling brings a sense of relief to the makers of 'Hamare Baarah,' who were facing uncertainty after the earlier stay imposed by the Bombay High Court till June 14, just two days before the scheduled release on June 7.
The film, which explores the theme of overpopulation, has garnered attention for its bold narrative and thought-provoking themes.
Starring Annu Kapoor, Manoj Joshi, and Paritosh Tripathi, it has captured the public imagination and anticipation.
Despite the legal hurdles, the film's director and producers remain grateful for the support received, including safety measures provided by the Maharashtra government during the release week.
The imposition of the stay had raised serious concerns among the producers, who had invested significantly in the film's production and distribution.
This legal obstacle emerged following a petition filed by specific religious community activists, challenging the film's release.
Jointly produced by Birender Bhagat, Ravi S Gupta, Sanjay Nagpal, and Sheo Balak Singh, and directed by Kamal Chandra, 'Hamare Baarah' promises to deliver a compelling narrative, shedding light on a pressing social issue.
With the Bombay High Court's decision to lift the injunction, 'Hamare Baarah' is set to hit screens as planned on June 7.