The Central Board of Film Certification has suggested as many as 100 cuts to upcoming Gujarati film Salagto Sawaal Anamat (Burning Question of Reservation) that delves into the quota agitation in Gujarat. The board has questioned filmmakers for choosing the subject of reservation for their movie, and said the protagonist resembles Patel quota activist Hardik Patel (pictured above, centre) who has been jailed on charges of sedition.

Co-producer Jaypratapsinh Chauhan said they had filed an appeal with the review committee of the board, which will hear the plea on Tuesday. If nothing comes out of it, the film's makers are ready to move court.

Apart from asking for cuts of all references to BR Ambedkar, the board also suggested that words like Patidar or Patel be removed from every scene. "This is an attempt to curb the freedom of expression and creativity. I tried to convince them that the film is not exactly based on Hardik Patel. But they argued that the protagonist looked similar to the jailed quota leader," said director Rajesh Gohil.

The film was slated for a June 17 release, the same day Udta Punjab will hit screens. But given the situation now, the filmmakers are looking at different release date. "We will have to delay the release now," said director Gohil.