BJP leader files FIR against John Abraham’s film for ‘hurting’ Shias

Bollywood actor John Abraham has landed in a legal soup yet again, as an FIR has been filed in Hyderabad, India against his upcoming film 'Satyameva Jayate' for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Shia community.

According to Indian media reports, BJP Minority Front general secretary Syed Ali Jafri has alleged that the trailer of the film portrays the religious procession of Muharram in a bad light. “There is one shot in the trailer that shows Muharram procession and it depicts a scene of Matam [self-flagellation]. The actor is later shown committing a murder following Matam. This has hurt our sentiments,” he said.

While the film’s director refrained to comment, a senior member of the Central Board of Film Certification said, “Let the film come to us. We will get an expert panel to view it. If the panel feels the reference to Muharram is actually offensive then we will immediately remove it. The CBFC is very clear on religious matters. No community must be offended in the name of freedom of expression.”

‘Satyameva Jayate’ trailer was launched few days ago, which shows John play a vigilante who is out there to get those who are spreading the seed of corruption while being in the garb of public servants. Manoj Bajpayee plays an honest police officer who believes no one can take law in his hands.

Earlier, similar incident happened with Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Raees’, which also showed a Muharram procession. Shia community was offended as the scene, according to them, disrespected their sacred tradition.

The movie will hit theaters on August 15.