Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Aug 12: Prakash Jha's controversial film 'Aarakashan' featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpai and others has already been released in India and abroad, except in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh. The latest state to consider a ban on the movie is Karnataka, though there has been no official statement so far. However, Karnataka Dalita Sangarsha Samiti is planning to protest against the screening of the movie all over the state.

Speaking to Daijiworld correspondent, a senior Dalita Sangarsha Samiti activist said that a meeting has been convened on Friday August 12 evening to collect opinions after watching the first show in the capital. Activists from other places are also expected to attend the meeting.

"If the Samiti feels that movie is against the sentiments of any community, caste or against reservation for the backward caste, then we cannot keep quiet," said the activist who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

"The movie is already banned in three important states, and I am sure they must have studied well and imposed the ban. We will appeal to the chief minister of Karnataka to ban in the movie in Karnataka also, if we feel that it is propogating a wrong message to society," he said.

When asked why he was reacting now, and why he was quiet all these days, he said, "In Karnataka, Hindi movies are not in much demand, but we wanted to watch the movie first. Some of our activists will watch the matinee show and express their opinion," he said.

Meanwhile, Aarakshan director Prakash Jha will be appealing to the Apex Court to lift the ban on the movie in UP, Punajb and Andhra Pradesh.