News

Court orders stay on Ram-Leela's release

13 Nov 2013

A Delhi Court has decided to stay the release of Ram-Leela owing to its rather bold content. The film has already faced controversies before when a Rajput community filed a case on the film alleging that it may create religious conflicts amongst communities.

Now, a law suit has been filed against the film by six petitioners including a Hindu outfit named Prabhu Samaj Dharmik Ram Leela Committee accusing that the film with a mythological title like 'Ram Leela' contains sex, violence and vulgarity. They also claim that people will watch the film under the misconception that it contains religious values and showcasing such bold scenes will hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

Talking about the recent debate about Ram-Leela, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has responded to these claims by stating that the film contains no mythological elements but is a love story of two individuals, Ram and Leela and is an Indian take on the Shakespearean romance, Romeo and Juliet.

"The forthcoming film Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela has been censored by the Central Board of the Film Certification under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and granted UA Certificate on 01.11.2013. The said film is slated for release throughout the World including India on 15th November 2013. It appears that some misinformation is being carried out regarding the said film which I would like to clarify and state that the said film is inspired and based on work of William Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'. The said film is neither related to 'Ramleela' - folklore/traditional performance associated with Lord Ram nor related to 'Rasleela' associated with Lord Krishna. I trust that this clarifies all doubts and misgivings," said Bhansali.