Tamil Nadu bans screening of movie ‘Dam 999’

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The step follows a decision by theatre owners in Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday, to not screen the controversial, saying it was against the state interests after political parties, including DMK, raised the pitch against its release.

The decision came as the film generated considerable heat in political circles, with DMK, MDMK and PMK calling for its ban, contending that it was based on the Mullaperiyar dam, over which Tamil Nadu and Kerala have a long standing dispute.

"The film justifies breaking of the (Mullaperiyar) dam (since the plot revolves around the collapse of a dam). It is against interests of Tamil Nadu. We have decided not to screen the film to express our concerns," Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners' Association general secretary R. Panneerselvam told the media.

The 116-year old dam, located in Iddukki district of Kerala, is under the Tamil Nadu government control and meets the irrigation needs of farmers in southern districts.

Citing safety concerns, Kerala has proposed construction of a new dam to replace the old structure, but Tamil Nadu has been opposing it, saying it would affect the state's interest.

DMK chief M. Karunanidhi said in a statement on Wednesday that if the film was released in the state, it would affect cordial ties between people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and pose a law and order problem.

"Considering this, it becomes imperative that the release of the film should be avoided in the state," he said.

Karunanidhi said while the Mullaperiyar dam issue remained unresolved for many years, some people have made the film giving it a ‘motivated title’, an apparent reference to the 999 year rights held by Tamil Nadu over Mullaperiyar dam.

MDMK chief Vaiko has said the film, financed by Keralites, starring Indian and Hollywood actors and directed by Sohan Roy has been named Dam 999, referring to the legal rights held by Tamil Nadu over the dam for 999 years.

He warned of protests in theatres if the film was released. MDMK workers were on Tuesday arrested after they staged a protest outside a preview theatre in the city where a screening of the movie had been arranged, besides damaging the film roll.