"Chand Bujh Gaya" (Moon Is Eclipsed), a Hindi film based on the 2002 communal violence in Gujarat that preaches harmony, will be released in about two weeks, the film's director said Tuesday.

Director Sharique Minhaj told reporters here: "The film is about unity and harmony." The film's release has been delayed for more than a year as the censor board had requested for a number of cuts.

The board had objected to "the Gujarat chief minister" character, played by Pratap Singh, who looked very similar to Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

The film narrates the love story of a Hindu boy, played by Faisal Khan, and a Muslim girl, Shama Sikander, against a backdrop of the sectarian strife in the state.

The film depicts the train burning incident in the Gujarat town of Godhra that claimed 59 lives and sparked the communal violence.

The censor board had also objected to references to names of places like Godhra, Vadodara, Surat and several violence-affected neighbourhoods of the city.

Minhaj said: "The board asked us to cut seven out of the total 16 reels. When we sought revision, we were asked to cut nine reels and re-shoot portions elsewhere."

Faaiz Anwar, the film's producer, then approached the Mumbai High Court, which not only ordered the censor board to pass the film without cuts but appreciated the film's humanitarian message.

Minhaj said: "The verdict noted that such films should, in fact, be encouraged so that people can learn a lesson.

"We have tried to deliver a message of peace and communal harmony. The film shows that communal divides actually hurt both Hindu and Muslim communities. Violence occurs when tempers run high, but later people repent it.

"I don't think the film will hurt the feelings of any community. I especially invite rightwing organisations to see it. I also invite Narendra Modi to see the film," the debutant director said.

The film, made with an estimated cost of Rs.20 million ($457,000), is scheduled for a worldwide release.