A Revising Committee of the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) has refused to give certification for the release of 'MSG: The Messenger of God' featuring controversial guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan.

The movie — Messenger of God — was scheduled to release on January 16 and was awaiting clearance from the Censor Board. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan has allegedly been depicted himself as god in the film although the film's team have refuted the claim.

Reports say there's a likelihood that the filmmaker may approach the Tribunal for certification.

The Centre had issued an alert to the Punjab and Haryana governments, with the Union home ministry writing to these states that a movie releasing on January 16 starring controversial godman Sant Gurmeet Ram Rahim could lead to communal tensions.

It stars Rahim who has recently been booked by CBI for carrying out forceful castration of his devotees. The home ministry, in a communique to both the states, has said there could be huge protests against the movie close to its release date and has pointed out that tensions could rise as all major Sikh organisations have objected to the contents of the movie and are planning protests.

Ram Rahim Singh said through the movie he wants to connect to the young generation. He claimed he completed the film in 67 days and its main focus is to end ills prevailing in the society. "A total of 13 lakh people have acted in the movie. In one song, 1.25 lakh people have taken part," he had claimed.

NEWS 18