'Omerta' release postponed after censor hurdle over national anthem
Mumbai, April 19: Hansal Mehta’s gritty, raw, brutal and disturbing "Omerta", the film about the global terror activities of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, has finally been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification with an 'A' certificate.
Mehta, who has in the past fought many brave battles with the censor board, was ready for a long grim fight to ensure nothing was tampered with in "Omerta". In an earlier interview, he had said he would not allow even a single cut.
However, only one major cut has been ordered. It is the sequence where Sheikh, essayed by actor Rajkummar Rao, is seen urinating in prison while the Indian national anthem plays outside.
The censor board has asked for the national anthem to be removed from this offensive scene.
"Omerta" producer Furquan Khan said: "We've been asked to remove the national anthem from that sequence and replace it with routine background music. We happily complied and walked away with an ‘A' certificate which the film deserves."
The film, which was scheduled to release on Friday, is now being readied for a May 4 release when it will rub shoulders with Umesh Shukla's Amitabh Bachchan-Rishi Kapoor father-son comedy "102 Not Out".
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Asaduddin Owaisi pays tribute to SM Syed Khalil, calls him great personality of Nawayat Community
Hyderabad: Hyderabad MP and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi expressed his condolences on the passing of SM Syed Khalil, a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Bhatkal. In a tweet, Owaisi referred to Syed Khalil as “Khalil Bhau,” fondly acknowledging his significant contributions to the Nawayat community and his work for the poor and needy.
“My condolences to the family of SM Syed Khalil saheb. He was affectionately called as Khalil Bhau, a great personality from the Nawayat Community. He headed many social organizations and helped many poor and needy people. A great loss to the people of Bhatkal. Will miss you, Khalil Bhau,” Owaisi tweeted.
SM Syed Khalil, who passed away in Dubai early Thursday morning after a brief illness, was a respected leader in the Nawayat community and a source of pride for Bhatkal. Known for his extensive contributions to international trade, education, and social service, Khalil’s life was marked by a commitment to uplift the underprivileged and strengthen community ties.
Among his many achievements, Syed Khalil was the Founder Chairman of K&K Enterprises in Sharjah and played a pivotal role in the success of the Galadari Company in Dubai over three decades. He also served as the Chairman of Madhyama Communications Ltd., Mangalore, and was actively involved in promoting Kannada and Konkani languages and culture.
In Bhatkal, he was a guiding force behind institutions like Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen and Rabita Society, where he championed girls’ education and worked to improve opportunities for the community. His leadership, humility, and compassion earned him widespread respect, and his contributions extended far beyond Bhatkal, touching lives across Karnataka and beyond.
My condolences to the family of SM Syed Khalil saheb he was affectionately called as Khalil Bhau a great personality from Nawayat Community,he headed many social organisations helped many poor and needy people,great loss to the people of Bhatkal ,will miss you Khalil bhau pic.twitter.com/piHjCCRD5d
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) November 21, 2024
