Decks cleared for Dum Maaro Dum release

Panaji, April 18 (IANS) The Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court Monday disposed of a petition seeking ban on the release of film "Dum Maaro Dum" after the filmmakers told the court that controversial portions of the film were deleted.

A division bench of Justice S.C. Dharmadhikari and Justice F.M. Reis disposed of the petition.

Savio Rodrigues, who filed the petion, had claimed that the film showed Goa, especially Goan women, in bad light and that the release of the film and the "indecent portrayal" of the state would affect the tourism in the state.

He also sought deletion of the dialogue, "In Goa, liquor is cheap and women cheaper", which is mouthed by actress Bipasha Basu in the Rohan Sippy film.

Fox Star Studio International Private Limited (FSSIPL) has, however, assured the court that the controversial dialogue would be deleted from the film and the word "women" has been replaced with "relationships" in the film's national promos.

He said that the censor board had given 'A' certificate to the movie, and that the film did not promote drugs in Goa but was based on the fight against drug trade.

FSSIPL official Dina Duttani, who was present at the hearing, later told reporters that the firm was gearing up for the film's global release Friday (April 22).

"It will be released in 20 countries at 350 international locations and at 1,000 theatres and multiplexes throughout India," she said.