‘Shorgul’ banned in Muzaffarnagar

Amidst the controversy over alleged exodus of Hindus in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh, Muzzaffarnagar has banned the movie Shorgul, a political drama which also touches upon the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.

The makers of the film on Tuesday claimed in a statement that the District Magistrate of Muzaffarnagar has prohibited screening of Shorgul in all theatres across the western UP city as the film touches upon a sensitive issue and fearing that it might lead to communal riots.

A 24 FPS Films Production, the Jimmy Sheirgill and Ashutosh Rana-starrer is based on “intolerance” and aspires to make audiences contemplate where humanity stands amidst the noise of religious, social, political and economic prejudice.

Also featuring Sanjay Suri, Narendra Jha, Hiten Tejwani, Eijaz Khan, Suha Gezen, Anirudh Dave and Deepraj Rana, Shorgul touches upon grave subjects that have transpired in the recent past such as the Muzaffarnagar, Godhra and Babri Masjid riots apart from making references to bureaucratic misdoings, mind games and controversial master strokes of some high-profile dignitaries.

Vyas Verma, one of the producers, said: “We have repeatedly stated the fact that Shorgul is not a depiction of any specific incident or occurrence, but a reflection of what happens in our society, bringing out issues that concern the nation. Uttar Pradesh is just the backdrop.”

He added: “However, this news is extremely unfortunate and sad. We want to question these authorities on why they are particularly stopping the (screening of the) film in Muzaffarnagar. Are they afraid of anything in particular? Don’t the people of Muzaffarnagar have the right to see what’s happening in our country! Every citizen has the right to watch this film as the film raises the voice of the common man.”

Earlier this month, a PIL filed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Milan Som against the film was dismissed by the Allahabad High Court bench in Lucknow.

Aman Singh, who is also a co-producer of the film, also shared: “Yes, our film definitely touches upon various controversial political controversies, but it is no way a biopic but more like a need of the hour.”

“We don’t wish to defame any political party, but we definitely want to highlight various subjects and ensure that audiences go back home with questions and a possible resolve towards a more logical India,” Singh said. The film is slated for release on 24 June.