Punjab govt bans screening of Arshad-Boman's The Legend of Michael Mishra

Chandigarh: On Thursday, the Punjab government banned the screening of Hindi film 'The Legend of Michael Mishra' for two months with immediate effect after "resentment" voiced by the members of a Dalit community over the way sage Valmiki was portrayed in it.

"During such suspension, it shall be deemed to be an uncertified film in the state," said an official spokesman.

The decision was taken on account of "strong resentment" among the Valmiki community regarding certain references to Maharishi Valmiki in the film, he added.

"The decision is aimed at keeping intact the hard-earned peace and social harmony of the state as the screening of the film may trigger massive protests," he said.

The film, written and directed by Manish Jha and starring Arshad Warsi, Aditi Rao Hydari and Boman Irani, is slated to release on screens today (Friday).