The Goa government will take up the issue of the alleged “bad portrayal” of the state in ‘Dum Maaro Dum’ with its director Rohan Sippy, Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar said.
Former tourism minister Mickky Pacheco has said he would approach the Bombay High Court, seeking a ban on the film. Replying to a discussion during the zero hour, Halarnkar said both he and Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had taken the issue seriously.
"We are worried that Goa may be projected badly in the film. The tourism industry and the government have worked very hard to build the reputation of Goa to what it is today. We will intervene. The chief minister and me will take up the issue with Sippy," Halarnkar said.
The minister also said that the tourism industry was worried about the kind of tourists which would be attracted to Goa if the film was released.
Earlier, former tourism minister Francisco alias Mickky Pacheco, while raising the issue in the assembly, said the Rohan Sippy film, whose racy promos are making waves already, projected Goa in bad light. "The government must intervene and ensure that the image of Goa as a place for crime, sex and drugs does not go to the masses through the film," Pacheco said.
"'Dum Maaro Dum' will badly dent the image of Goa. Our tourism season will be badly affected because of the film. I am approaching the high court next week seeking a ban on the film," said Pacheco, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) member from Benaulim.
"Dum Maro Dum" starring Abhishekh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone is all set for release April 22. The promotional film delves into the narcotics mafia and sex trade.