Jha happy as 'Aarakshan' ban lifted in Uttar Pradesh

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Filmmaker Prakash Jha could not have asked for a better Friday. The news of his film 'Aarakshan' minting Rs.58.5 crore worldwide within its first week had not even sunk in when the Supreme Court lifted the ban on the film's release in Uttar Pradesh.

'The Supreme Court decision should restore our faith in the system. I'm happy the hearing is in our favour. The people of Uttar Pradesh will finally be able to watch 'Aarakshan',' Jha said in a statement.

The Uttar Pradesh government had imposed a two-month ban on the screening of the movie dealing with the issue of quota system in India's educational system. Questions were raised on the content of the film over fears of anti-Dalit comments.

For the same reason, the Punjab and Andhra Pradesh governments also slapped a ban on the film, but lifted it a day after the film's release Aug 12. Therefore, Jha approached the Supreme Court to settle matters in Uttar Pradesh.

'I'm glad I decided to challenge the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to ban the film rather than bow down to it. This has been an important battle in making right to the freedom of expression a real right for the common citizens of India,' added Jha.

He is elated over the response to the film in the rest of the country.

'I'm very happy with the audience response to 'Aarakshan'. I've been flooded with congratulatory messages and calls. The film seems to be touching many, many people,' he said.

Apart from Amitabh Bachchan, the film features Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik.