Bollywood film on caste stirs controversy in India
A film full of Bollywood stars on the caste system in India churned up heated debate, which opened Friday, with the anger of the lower caste groups are trying to torpedo his release, saying it reinforces social prejudices against them.
The fury makes clear that the caste system _ the old Hindu custom, which divides people into a strict social hierarchy based on traditional livelihoods of their families _ and ethnicity remains an extremely sensitive issue in modern India Despite government programs to eliminate these distinctions.
AARAKSHAN
At least three states have banned the movie "Aarakshan" opening Friday from fears it could inflame tensions of caste. Its director, Prakash Jha, filed an urgent appeal to the Supreme Court to revoke the ban.
Movie stars have been given police bodyguards, and police guarded the emergence of cinema, the audience research and stopping them from bringing bags inside, authorities said.
The film's title means "reserve", in reference to affirmative action quotas for the untouchables of India, also known as Dalits, employment and education.
The Dalits, who constitute nearly a quarter of the population of over one billion in India, such as film, and displays them in a negative light.
Jha disputed their interpretation of his films, but agreed to change parts and may find offensive. A modified version, however, was not available, since it opened in different parts of the country is a lucrative three-day Independence Day weekend.
Movie star, a famous actor Amitabh Bachchan, looked anxious in his Twitter account on Friday, accusing the people condemn the film even see it.
"Being called on our powerlessness is to get people to understand that this art is seen as not forbidden!" Twitter has.
In his blog, Bachchan has said her character in the film, the director of a school, "two Indias in this country live in truth ... and if we see the progress of our society, then the distance between the two Indias should be deleted. "
Caste discrimination is deeply rooted in India, despite government efforts since independence in 1947, for the use of affirmative action to destroy it. India's economic boom has widened the gap further, with many of its dividends received by the upper castes.
However, much of the higher castes in India are furious over the quota policy, which ensures lower caste areas are very popular with medical and engineering schools, universities and jobs.
"AARAKSHAN" created great expectations, with key actors from the films _ that also includes the action hero Saif Ali Khan and Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone _ throughout the country to promote its release.
The film, Bachchan plays the idealistic leader who ends the college to the center of tensions between Dalits and upper caste students in more than a quota system.
Another objection raised by some groups of low-caste Dalit protagtonist is that is played by Khan, belonging to the royal family of ancient India.
"This objection is not fair. According to this logic, say a dalit can not play the role of a king in a movie?" Ask Jha.
With groups of Dalits say that the film is a quota system unilaterally, Uttar Pradesh, the largest Indian state on Wednesday banned the film. Days later, the Government of Punjab and Andhra Pradesh followed.
The ban could cost the film more than 150 million rupees (3.5 million) of income, and spectators are expected to audiences in the theaters long weekend, analysts trade.
A government commission for the welfare of the lower castes has also asked the authorities of the movie in the country to review the authorization given to the film.
"We have written to the Censor Board to review the film and remove at least five offensive dialogue from the film," said PL Punia, who heads the panel. "These changes can occur without affecting narrative of the film."
Another objection raised by some groups of lower castes casting Khan, who belongs to one of the royal families that have ruled parts of India, the protagonist of the Dalits.
"This objection is not fair. According to this logic, say a dalit can not play the role of a king in a movie?" Ask Jha.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai film fraternity to close ranks in support of the film.
"There is nothing objectionable in the film. When people see it, they realize that there is nothing controversial," said Ajay Devgn, one of the biggest stars of Bollywood action.
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