Home Ministry directs halt to screening of film 'Panch Pandav'

The production team of the film "Panch Pandav," which was set to be released on Friday, says the Home Ministry has directed that its screening be stopped.

According to a team member, the Home Ministry instructed the Ministry of Communications, which then informed the production team verbally.

The team member said Banke's Chief District Officer Dilkumar Tamang had written to the Home Ministry asking that the screening be stopped, after some people went to the Banke District Administration Office to demand the same.

The film has faced backlash on social media over claims that it misrepresents the Mahabharata and portrays Draupadi dancing in an item song.

The production team had already publicly stated that the film does not intend to disrupt religious tolerance.

Speaking at the event to release the film's second trailer, TikToker and actress Eva Giri said she had received more affection than criticism.

She said the character dancing in the item song does not claim to be Draupadi, and urged people not to draw conclusions without watching the film.

The film, written by Sushil Paudel and directed by Basanta Niraula, also stars Harivansh Acharya alongside Eva.