‘Paanch Pandav’ Film Dispute: Ministry Holds Talks, Decision Expected

KATHMANDU- Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has begun discussions over the controversy surrounding the film ‘Paanch Pandav’, with a decision expected by Thursday afternoon, the ministry’s spokesperson has said.

Ministry spokesperson Bishnu Koirala said discussions were ongoing and the issue was expected to become clear by the afternoon.

“We are discussing it now. Things will be clear by the afternoon,” Koirala said.

Some media outlets had reported, citing members of the film’s production team, that the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued a direct order to the communication ministry to stop the film’s release.

“We are holding serious discussions. The matter is being examined from several angles,” Koirala said.

Reports began emerging on Wednesday evening that the Ministry of Home Affairs had verbally instructed the communication ministry after the chief district officer of Nepalgunj requested that the film be stopped.

However, as of the time this report was published, the government had not made any decision to halt the film’s release.

The film, which features Haribansha Acharya in the lead role, has already received a screening permit from the Central Film Censor Board.

Although the film’s title contains names similar to those associated with the Hindu epic Mahabharata, its producers have maintained that the story is not related to the epic. The film is said to be based on the story of brothers.

Some Hindu religious organisations have previously submitted letters of concern to the Film Development Board, the Ministry of Communication and other relevant bodies, demanding that the film’s release be stopped.