Film release is postponed

2:30pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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The release of a thriller based on the aftermath of the July 7 bombings has been postponed out of respect for the victims' families, it has been announced.

Shoot On Sight was due to be released on July 11, but the producers decided the date was too close to the third anniversary of the attacks, which killed 52 people on London's transport network.

The film tells the fictional story of a senior Muslim police officer asked to lead the hunt for suspected suicide bombers.

Producer Aron Govil said: "Although not directly about the events of July 7, 2005, the film obviously deals with incredibly sensitive issues and we feel that July 11 is simply too close to the third anniversary of the attacks.

"While we are mindful that the families are still grieving, it is important to look at the climate within which Londoners now live and work and have been forced to deal with on an ongoing basis."

Govil added that the victims' families were not contacted as he felt the film dealt with broader issues in society rather than the bombings themselves.

"I strongly felt this was a topic that needed to be addressed," he said.

"It does raise some uncomfortable racial issues but once UK audiences see the film, they will, I hope, see that the film portrays a balanced viewpoint and leaves the audience to decide which side they wish to be on."

In the film an innocent Muslim is killed by police in London in the wake of the July 7 bombings, and a senior Muslim police officer, played by veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, is asked to lead the investigation, but finds his loyalties questioned by colleagues in the force as well as fellow Muslims.

By Damon Wake