Court approves 'Hamare Baarah' release after modifications, film to hit theaters on June 21

On June 19, 2024, the Bombay High Court stated that it found nothing objectionable in the Annu Kapoor-starrer Hamare Baarah, highlighting that the film promotes women's upliftment. With this, the court has given its approval for the movie’s release in theaters.

The court mentioned that the movie could be released in theaters after making agreed-upon modifications. These changes involve removing objectionable dialogues and scenes from both the film and its trailer.

As reported by the Free Press Journal, the film was initially set to release on June 7, then postponed to June 14, and will now premiere on June 21, 2024. The delays were due to legal challenges, including petitions claiming the film distorted the Quran and contained derogatory content towards Islam, women, and the Muslim community.

A bench comprising Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla reviewed the film and found nothing in it that could incite violence or disrespect the Quran or the Muslim community. They emphasized that the Indian public is discerning and not easily misled.

The court recommended specific modifications, which were agreed upon by both the filmmakers and the petitioners. These modifications included removing objectionable parts and dialogues from the movie.

Following the court’s suggestions, the filmmakers agreed to remove certain dialogues and scenes from the trailer. Additionally, the court recommended including two 12-second disclaimers in the film.

The court authorized the movie's release after making the necessary modifications and obtaining a new certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Furthermore, the HC imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the film's producers for releasing the trailer without prior CBFC certification.

Additionally, the court directed that within eight weeks of the film's release, a donation must be made to the 'Ideal Relief Committee Trust' to assist people affected by natural disasters.

Hamare Baarah, starring Annu Kapoor, Parth Samthaan, Manoj Joshi, Rahul Bagga, and others, is set in Uttar Pradesh and addresses the significant issue of population growth. The film is directed by Kamal Chandra.