Bangladesh High Court Bans Release Of Hansal Mehta's 'Faraaz'

The Bangladesh High Court on Monday barred the promotion and screening of "Faraaz," a film directed by Indian filmmaker Hansal Mehta, in cinemas and on online platforms in the country.

Official Poster Of The Movie 'Faraaz'

The Bangladesh High Court on Monday barred the promotion and screening of "Faraaz," a film directed by Indian filmmaker Hansal Mehta, in cinemas and on online platforms in the country.

'Faraaz,' a hostage drama based on a real-life terrorist attack that decimated a Dhaka cafe in 2016, stars Juhi Babbar, Aamir Ali, Zahan Kapoor, and Aditya Rawal, among others.

After hearing a writ petition, the high court bench of justices Md Khasruzzaman and Md Iqbal Kabir issued an order prohibiting the film's screening in Bangladesh.

Ruba Ahmed, the mother of Abinta Kabir, who was slain by militants in the July 1, 2016 attack on the Holey Artisan cafe, filed the writ petition. The defendant in the writ petition is the Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Broadcasting.

The Bangladesh Film Censor Board has yet to approve the film.

On January 19, Ruba Ahmed made an identical request to halt the film's release in Bangladesh, arguing that it would harm the country's reputation.

Later, the petitioner's lawyer, Ahsanul Karim, stated that the case was filed to prevent the film from being shown in cinemas in Bangladesh as well as on internet platforms, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

""The footage in the movie shows two militants talking, one of whom was or is in a relation with Abinta. Her dress up was shown in such a way that educated families in our civilised society would never wear. The character of the girl was degraded in the movie "Karim said, According to the Dhaka Tribune. 

"Also, the movie showed the failure of the law enforcement officers which poses serious questions about our sovereignty. For these reasons, this movie should not be shown on any platform in Bangladesh " Karim stated.

(With Inputs From IANS)