Abhishek-starrer Drona in trouble over use of horses

Abhishek Bachchan starrer "Drona" has run into trouble over the use of horses in the film.

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has raised objections to the use of horses in the film, being shot in Bikaner, Rajasthan, without its prior permission.

The illegal use of animals came to light following the death of a horse a few days ago. The board has taken the post-mortem report of the dead animal in its custody.

Gulzari Lal Soni, an executive member of AWBI, a unit of the union environment and forests ministry, reached the shooting venue Thursday and objected to horses being used without permission.

"The unit has been using over 55 horses for the shooting but they haven't taken permission from AWBI," Soni told IANS.

He said that at the time of the shooting of "Akbar-Jodha", director Ashutosh Gowarikar had approached the board and taken permission to use horses in his historical drama.

If "Drona" director Goldie Behl is found guilty, action could be taken against him under the Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals Act, Soni said.

The total cost of the film is estimated to be around Rs.650 million.