‘Lamhaa’ Banned In Middle East Before July 16 Release

India, Mumbai, India (AHN) – National Award winning Director Rahul Dholakia’s latest Bollywood action thriller, Lamhaa, is all set for release on July 16 worldwide. However, the Middle East viewers will not be able to watch the movie since the UAE National Media Council Censorship Board banned its screening in Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Oman because of its highly objectionable and controversial subject.

Lamhaa, a story that highlights various issues Kashmir had faced over the years, surrounds around an army officer, Sanjay Dutt, and his love interest Bipasha Basu. It also touches on the links between intelligence, military, militants and politicians that are responsible for the death of innocent idealists in the valley.

Film’s producer, Bunty Walia, has confirmed the news.

Responding to this decision, Dholakia said that the UAE’s censor board should have watched the film in “totality” before taking such an ‘outrageous’ decision. He argued that his film had not crossed limits, otherwise it would have not been passed by the Indian censor board.

No matter what Dholakia claims, the truth is that the censors initially rejected the film’s first promo and only agreed to pass when they deleted the line – The world’s most dangerous place Kashmir – from the film’s script. They also reportedly edited the word farzi (bogus) from the script as it was referred to the elections.

Bipasha said she was also surprised with the ban news and asked where was the freedom of expression. Walia too reacted with disappointment since news came just days after film’s first special premiere in Srinagar was cancelled amid fears that it could spark violence in the region. “We stand to lose big money,” he added.

To tone down the affect of UAE’s ban decision on Lamhaa, Dholakia has announced to write a book based on his extensive research, he undertook for the making of the movie. He said everyone was making money out of it, adding that Kashmir militancy has become a huge business of late. He disclosed that during one of his interviews with top politicians and extremist leaders, one of them admitted that he had been taking money from both sides.

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