The controversial movie MSG (Messenger of God) has turned out to be the cause of an agitation in India, especially in the states like Punjab and Haryana, where the major part of the Sikh community prevails.
Photo: DNA
If we are to believe the informative resources, we can affirm that the Punjab government has banned the release of this movie as they were quite precognitive about the violent riots and tensions that could arise post the film`s release. What added more strain to the State government was the mass resignation act that took place on Friday, where 10 members along with the Chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification (CFBC) quitted their respective jobs.
Somehow, the film platoon managed to bag the certification from Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) under the name of CFBC. But later on, this turned out to be of no use as it led to the eruption of protests by various Sikh organizations in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, against the release of the film.
Also, numerous cinema hall owners refused to screen the film. Sikhism followers claimed that the movie misinterprets their religious scriptures and shows Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh dressed like the Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, but in a wrong manner which could hurt their religious sentiments.
There was even a larger-than-life premiere planned on Friday at Leisure Valley Ground in Gurgaon where thousands of Singh`s followers assembled for the screening.
But soon after, the premiere was turned down by the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) workers and the members of the party`s student section, namely Indian National Student Organization (INSO) protested at the premiere venue. The premiere was further postponed to be screened on Sunday after the Punjab Security Agencies declared an alert to control the mob.
In a press conference on Friday, self-styled Saint Singh argued that there is not even a speck of something which is really very controversial or offensive in his film, and the ones who have turned against it should watch the movie and then make comment over it.
This saint is said to have 50 million followers despite the fact that he had been caught in the trap of allegations since 2001 for numerous murder and rape cases.
Tags: MSG MSG controversy
