Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine was not released in India this weekend as previously planned, since the acclaimed director has refused to allow anti-smoking messages to be added to the film.

DNA India reports that regulations state that films that feature scenes of smoking must have anti-smoking messages superimposed on the screen, which Allen found distracting. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a commercial by the Ministry of Health also has to be screened before the film. These rules apply to both foreign and domestic films.

Blue Jasmine was going to be distributed by PVR Pictures, which is owned by PVR Cinemas, the biggest chain in India.

“Allen has the creative control as per the agreement,” Deepak Sharma, COO of PVR Pictures, said in a statement to DNA. “He wasn't comfortable with the disclaimer that we are required to run when some smoking scene is shown in films. He feels that when the scroll comes, attention goes to it rather than the scene.”

Sharma added, “We had to abide by the law and we don't have control over the film, so it's alright.”

DNA caught up with several leading Bollywood figures who showed support for Allen. “I agree with Woody Allen completely,” actor Kabir Bedi told the site. “The anti-smoking video spoils the movie-viewing experience that we pay for. Will the government stamp warnings on the text of books where characters smoke?”

image: Wikimedia Commons