Actor-director Nandita Das' directorial debut ‘Firaaq’, which is scheduled for release in India on March 20, will not be screened in Gujarat's multiplexes.

Gujarat-based multiplex owners association said that their dispute with the distributor over profit sharing was the main reason for not showcasing the movie in the state.

Manubhai Patel, President, All Gujarat Multiplex Association, said, “It’s not clear yet. We have not finalised profit sharing with the distributor. We have to figure out the percentage.”

Besides that, the union also said that ‘Firaaq’ is based on the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat, and that’s why they do not want to distress the communal harmony in the state by showcasing the film.

Neeraj Ahuja General Manager, Wide Angle Multiplex, said, “We don't know what is in the movie. One thing is certain, if it is against the communal harmony of the state, then we will not run the movie.”

At the same time Manubhai stated, “If this film is based on the same theme as Parzania then I feel that such a movie should not be released.”

The multiplex association took this decision without watching the movie.

On this, Nandita Das said, “Has Mr Modi or anybody in his cabinet seen the film? This film is neither about Godhra nor is it about the riots. So I don’t see anyone feeling threatened by it.”

Nandita also said that the film did not show riots or aggression, and does not point fingers at anybody.

The reports said that the rejection comes from the All Gujarat Multiplex Association independent of the state government.