A call from social activist Anna Hazare against corruption has engulfed the nation and the state of Uttar Pradesh is no exception to it. Its denizens are participating in processions, candle light marches and slogan shouting to convey their solidarity on the issue.

Even the political parties, especially the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) have become vocal in their support to Anna.

Interestingly, these parties have forgotten the land acquisition issue, which in the recent times saw some violent tussles between the police and the farmers of the state. Until last month the issue was being used as a poll plank by all the parties.

Nonetheless, there is someone who has picked up the issue and is going to use it in a powerful way.

The celebrated producer director and screen-writer of Indian cinema Prakash Jha is working on a film ‘Satyagrah', which raises the issue again.

"Satyagrah deals against the basis of development, '' said Jha in an informal conversation with us.

Jha was in town for the first time after the release of his film Aarakshan, which got involved in controversies when the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati imposed a ban on its release.

The argument of the government was that the film handling such a sensitive issue as reservation might create law and order problem and therefore should be banned.

The ban was revoked by the Supreme Court on an appeal of Jha.

"It was a historical judgement of the court, " said a beaming Jha, adding that the court decision has also clarified one thing that not only the states but even the centre too would ban any movie which has been cleared by the Film Censor Board.

Known for touching sensitive subjects from the lives of common people, Jha said the Apex Court decision is good for directors like him, who raise such issues through their films for a debate in the society.

On Anna

Prakash Jha did not sound completely convinced with Anna Hazare's call to fight corruption. "Whatever is happening today is quite interesting and something good will certainly come out of it at the end. But it cannot be said that this is the only way to achieve what we are trying to get. We all would be watching with great anticipation."

On Politics

The film maker has played two innings in politics but unlike his films he could not make any of them a box office hit.

He contested two parliamentary elections from Bettiah constituency in the West Champaran, Bihar – his home town. Now he has decided to stay away from politics.

"I had given myself ten year from 50 to 60 to be in politics. I did not win any election but did a lot for my constituency."

Jha launched Maurya channel in Bihar and gave Bihar its first Mall and Multiplex. Now he is getting constructed a hospital.