Kochi, Dec 10 (IANS): Sohan Roy, director of controversial film "DAM 999" which was barred from screening in Tamil Nadu, has asked for police protection to attend the hearing against the ban to be held in Chennai Dec 12, a release said here Saturday.

"I would be able to attend the hearing of the case, if and only if the government of Tamil Nadu provides me with police protection as I fear threats against my life from members of various political parties in Tamil Nadu," said Roy.

The film, released last month, was banned in Tamil Nadu for supposedly taking a pro-Kerala stand in the Mullaperiyar dam row. Roy had approached the apex court to lift the ban.

"The hearing of the plea to lift the ban on the movie has been rescheduled for Dec 12. The hearing is scheduled to be held in the Office of Principal Secretary Home, Prohibition and Excise Department, Chennai," said Roy.

"Dam 999", a $10 million film, deals with the miseries of people following the collapse of a dam. Its critics say it tries to portray the dispute over the century-old Mullaperiyar Dam, which is situated in Kerala and supplies water to Tamil Nadu.