January 11, 2007	Thursday	Zilhaj 20, 1427

MUMBAI, Jan 10: A top transport official has slammed two blockbuster biker films, blaming their dangerous action scenes for an increase in accidents. Hit films Dhoom and its sequel Dhoom 2 feature a series of adventurous motorcycle stunts by the top stars of Indian Bollywood movies.

Most young men try to imitate movie stunts on their bikes, which results in serious accidents, said Shyamsunder D. Shinde, the top transport official in Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is the capital.

Nearly 70 per cent of accidents occur at high speed due to two-wheeler stunts performed by youngsters on open roads, said Mr Shinde, adding that he had written to censor authorities, asking for a ban on such scenes.

Director of Dhoom 2 Sanjay Gadhvi said he was surprised by the move.

The government should consult the censor board ... our movie was cleared without any major cuts, the movie's director Allan Amin said.—AFP