The film Santa Banta Pvt. Ltd. was released nationwide on Friday, the Sikh community continued its opposition and disrupted a show at PVR Sion this afternoon. Protests were also conducted at K Star, Chembur, Imax Wadala, Plaza, Dadar, Kalpana, Kurla and also in Vashi and Malad Inox theatres, alleging that the film is hurting the community’s sentiments.
The film, directed by Akashdeep Sabir, has met opposition in Delhi, Punjab, Pune and in small cities like Nagpur, Nanded and Akola. Protesters have threatened to halt shows in the western suburbs on Saturday too.
Congress leader Charan Singh Sapra, who is leading the protest, said that the community does not want the movie to be released. “There is already a case in Supreme Court against Santa Banta jokes. The director Akashdeep has deliberately made mockery of Sikhs. One month ago we wrote to the censor that they should not pass the movie since there are silly jokes in the film. One should never forget that Sikhs have sacrificed their lives for Hindus. We have contributed to the Indian economy. In spite of all this, Viacom 18 and Akashdeep wanted to make money by mocking Sikhs,” he said.
Mr Sapra along with 50 people reached PVR Sion around 3.30 pm on Friday and requested the authorities to stop the screening. While the opening credits began, a representative of the protesters and a PVR official walked into the theatre and told people to vacate the cinema. There were around 10-12 people in the theatre who left in a shock. However, everyone cooperated and vacated the premises. The PVR official assured the audience that they would get their refund from the ticket window. A few policemen came to the theatre.
“We have also appealed on social media that a case should be registered under Section 295 A of the IPC, which deals with religious sentiments. The hearing on the same will be held April 27 in Mumbai,” Mr Sapra said.
