The row suggests that caste - the Hindu custom dividing people in a strict social hierarchy based traditionally on family livelihood and ethnicity - remains a deeply sensitive subject in modern India, despite government efforts to eradicate it.
least three states banned Aarakshan from opening over fears it could stir up caste tensions. Director Prakash Jha filed an appeal to the Supreme Court to overturn the bans.
The film's stars were given police bodyguards yesterday, and police guarded theatres that did show the film. Its title means "reservation," a reference to affirmative action quotas for millions of India's "untouchables", known as dalits, in jobs and education.
The film's star, actor Amitabh Bachchan, plays the head of a college pushed out amid tensions over quotas.
On his Twitter account he wrote: "Have cried at our helplessness in not making people understand that this art needs to be seen not banned!"
Lead actors including action hero Saif Ali Khan and Bollywood starlet Deepika Padukone have traveled the country to promote its release.
Mr Bachchan quoted his character in the film saying: "Two Indias reside in this country… and in truth, if we have to see any progress in our society, then the distance between these two Indias must be erased."
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