A new Bollywood film on India's age-old caste divide has angered lower caste groups that feel the film reinforces prejudices against them.

Prakash Jha, the director of the film, "Aarakshan," which means reservation, has agreed to cut parts of the movie that may be offensive to members of India's lower caste groups, known as Dalits.

At least three Indian states have banned the film over fears that it could stir up trouble among lower caste groups. Many Dalit groups say the film belittles them and shows them in a negative light.

Dalits form nearly a fourth of India's billion-plus population.

The film's leading star, Amitabh Bachchan, said Friday that he was saddened by the controversy surrounding the film's imminent release.