New Delhi, Aug 13 (IANS) The Punjab and Andhra Pradesh governments have cleared filmmaker Prakash Jha's "Aarakshan" for screening and revoked the statewide ban they imposed on it. The screening of the film started in the two states Saturday afternoon.

Both states set up special committees to see if there was anything objectionable in the film.

The committees appreciated the film and did not find anything offensive. So, they passed it for release after filmmaker Prakash Jha made some minor changes in it, a statement from Prakash Jha Productions said.

"It is a relief that the film is finally going to release in Andhra Pradesh and Punjab. I'm overwhelmed by the show of support from the common citizens of India who are going to watch the film," Jha said.

"It is reassuring to know that the right to freedom of expression is a real right for every Indian citizen. We are working towards getting the film released in Uttar Pradesh as well," he added.

"Aarakshan" deals with the issue of reservation in academic institutions and has Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. It ran into trouble for certain dialogues which are offending to the feelings of a certain section of society.