Deshdrohi (Traitor), which depicts the struggle of north Indians who come to Maharashtra's state capital of Mumbai to find work, had been due to hit screens on Friday.

But the state government decided on police advice late on Wednesday to put back its release by two months, saying it could spark a breakdown in law and order.

Chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh denied the ban was a form of 'moral policing' and only came after actor-producer Kamaal Khan refused to cut controversial scenes.

'The government felt it would inflame passions and emotions further, hence we decided to ban the film for 60 days', additional chief secretary Chitkala Zutshi told the Times of India newspaper.

Khan has vowed to fight the ban in the courts.

Mumbai and Maharashtra have seen violent clashes between supporters of the nativist Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) party and north Indian migrant workers in recent months.

Last month, MNS activists attacked a group of north Indians who had come to Mumbai to look for jobs on the railways, leading to the arrest of the firebrand party leader Raj Thackeray for inciting violence.

His arrest sparked further unrest, including rioting and clashes with police. Three people died in violence elsewhere in Maharashtra.

There were also violent counter-protests in northern Bihar state.

The MNS strongly supports jobs for people from Maharashtra and vigorously promotes the use of the local Marathi language and culture.

That frequently puts it at odds with wider efforts to encourage a stronger national identity and a mobile workforce. -- AFP