Malaysia bans Machis

Machis is 'too sensitive' for the Malaysians.

And so, the Hindi hit will not be released in the pearl-shaped island state -- a major centre for Indian movies.

"It may hurt religious sentiments," is how the Malaysian censors justify their decision.

The film, directed by Gulzar, was made on a shoestring budget. However, it had gone on to become a big hit. Set in Punjab, against the backdrop of the mid-80's violence, Machis stars Chandrachur Singh and Tabu, and has award-winning music by Vishal Bhardwaj.

It was the just-concluded East Asia Film and Television festival that tipped the Malaysian censors about the film's 'sensitivity.'

Machis's songs, however, are enormously popular with the islanders.

UNI