The producers and actors of Marathi film Sangharshyoddha Manoj Jarange Patil alleged on April 22 that the Central Board of Film Certification had refused permission to release the film citing model code of conduct for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. CBFC regional officer Sayyid Rabee Hashmi said that the communication had been made to those related to the film after watching it.
Some political parties had expressed apprehension that the film could fuel angst against the government. The film is based on the life and struggles of reservation activist Manoj Jarange. It is produced by Govardhan Doltade and directed by Shivaji Doltade.
Rohan Patil, who plays Jarange in the film, alleged that the CBFC’s denial of permission for release, just days before the scheduled date of release, could have been at the behest of the government. Patil said, “We announced the date of release about six months ago. It was sent to the CBFC about 45 days back, but we were informed on Friday (April 19) that the date of release would have to be after the elections.”