Film on Indira Gandhi's assassins barred from release

New Delhi: The government on Thursday barred the release of controversial Punjabi film 'Kaum De Heere' on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination tomorrow citing apprehensions of law and order problems in parts of the country.

Poster of 'Kaum De Heere'

The decision was taken collectively by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Home Ministry and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after watching the movie.

"We saw the film and decided that it will not be released tomorrow," CBFC Chairperson Leela Samson announced here after review of the movie on the basis of recommendation by the Home Ministry.

"Because of the law and order situation that might result from the showing of the film and based on the ministry of Home Affairs report, the Home Ministry, the CBFC and I&B officials have decided that," she added.

The Home Ministry had expressed reservation and serious concern over the contents of the film and asked the I&B Ministry to take a relook at the clearance given to it.

In a communication to I&B ministry, the Home Ministry said the film may affect the communal harmony in Punjab and other northern states.

Home Ministry told I&B ministry that some of the content in the film was "highly objectionable" and may create enmity between communities and lead to communal tension.

Sources said the film, which is reportedly based on the lives of the assassins of the late prime minister -- Beant
Singh, Satwant Singh and Kehar Singh -- glorifies their act.

There have been media reports that Censor Board CEO Rakesh Kumar, who was arrested recently by CBI on corruption charges,
gave clearance to the film after allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 1 lakh.

The Punjab units of Congress and BJP have demanded a ban on the controversial film.