Bhopal, Feb 29: The screening of the `controversial' movie `Jodhaa Akbar restarted all-over the state in cinema theatres and multiplexes all from Friday after lifting of ban on its screening by the Madhya Pradesh High Cour three days back. The movie which had generated huge amount protest, particularly from the Kshatriya community people in cities like Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, against what they described as wrong portrayal of the character Jodha in the movie, had been withdrawn from cinema halls in Madhya Pradesh after the state government had imposed a temporary ban on the screening of this movie few days back..

Later a writ petition was filed the Madhya Pradesh High Court (Jabalpur bench), challenging the ban order of the state government. Taking cognizance of the petition, the High Court in its judgement on Tuesday, rejected the state government's order to ban the screening of the film, though temporarily.

The film's distributor for Madhya Pradesh is estimated to have suffered a loss of at least Rs 20 million since the ban was imposed. The state government too has suffered a loss of Rs 6 to 7 million on entertainment tax during the week since the screening of the film was stopped. Pirated VCD/DVD vendors are estimated to have done business worth over Rs 10 million during the period.

The movie was released all-over the country on February 15, but banned in Madhya Pradesh on February 22 by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government following fears that it may cause a law and order problem as some members of the Rajput community were against the film's content.

Meanwhile, the Central Circuit Cine Association has also criticised the state government's assertion that screening of the movie was a threat to peace. The association pointed out that sporadic protests were held in many states and it was the duty of the government to provide security.