Kathmandu, November 5
Had everything gone as planned, the team behind Paanch Pandav would by now have been making final preparations for the film’s promotional campaign. The film was scheduled to hit theatres this Friday.
The Central Film Censor Board had already issued the film a Universal Certificate, confirming that it had no objection to its public screening. In other words, the board had cleared the film for release.
However, just hours after receiving the clearance on Tuesday, the film’s release was put on hold. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology reportedly sent a letter to the production team ordering it not to screen the film until further notice. The decision came as a major setback for the filmmakers.
According to a source, ministry officials telephoned the production team and told them not to open advance bookings, citing a direct order from the Home Secretary. The team was also asked to come to Singha Durbar to receive an official letter.
The production team said the Chief District Officer of Nepalgunj had requested the Home Ministry to stop the film’s release. “Following that request, the Home Ministry instructed the Communication Ministry not to allow the film to be screened,” the source said.
After filmmakers objected to the decision, the Film Development Board reportedly said the matter would be discussed the following day in an effort to resolve the issue.
A group had expressed dissatisfaction with the film since the release of its theme poster, arguing that it hurt their religious beliefs. Actor Haribansha Acharya, who plays the lead role, became a particular target of their criticism. The group had been making allegations against Acharya and calling for a boycott of the film from the outset.
The production team believes pressure from this group led to the decision to halt the screening.
Although the film may initially appear to be based on the Mahabharata, it draws on the epic only symbolically. Its central story revolves around the relationship between brothers.
