Film stars in Bombay have rallied in support of the controversial film "Fire", and urged the Supreme Court to ensure the movie's continued screening.

Members of the right-wing, ultra-nationalist Hindu party, Shiv Sena, have over the past few days stopped showings of the film in Bombay and Delhi.

Shiv Sena, which is also the governing party in Maharashtra state, says the movie, which has lesbian relationship as its central theme, is contrary to Indian culture, immoral and bad influence on young people.

A BBC correspondent in Bombay says the film makers regard their rights of freedom of expression as being under attack.