Censor Board to take a call in banning Dera movie: Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal

CHANDIGARH: With various Sikh organisations, including the Akal Takht, demanding a ban on the release of Dera Sacha Sauda sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's movie next month, the Punjab government today said it is up to the Censor Board to take a call on it.

"It is up to the Censor board (of film certification) which is to take a decision. Once it takes it, then we will see it," Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said after the first sitting of three-day winter session of Punjab Assembly here today.

He was asked to comments on Akal Takht's demand for a ban on release of Ram Rahim Singh's movie 'Messenger of God (MSG)'.

Akal Takht head Gurbachan Singh yesterday said the sect head is facing murder and rape charges and his film is meant to "confuse" the people.

"The content of the film will hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims," he had said, urging the Punjab government to impose a ban on his forthcoming film.

All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) head Karnail Sngh Peermohammed had urged the centre and the state government to impose a ban on release of the film.

The head of the Sirsa-headquarterd sect will debut in the film, produced by Hakikat Entertainment which is set to release on January 16.

He is in the lead role, besides being credited with the music, lyrics, screenplay and dialogues and also directed it himself. He gets co-credits for Director of Production (DoP), art director and choregrapher with others.