After sparring for weeks with the makers of Udta Punjab only to be reprimanded by the Bombay Highcourt for denying the film a certificate, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has denied certificates to two other films. This time, it is Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer Haraamkhor, and a Malayalam film called Kathakali.
Reports suggest that Haraamkhor was screened for the Examining Committee of the CBFC recently, wherein the committee refused to issue the film a certificate on the grounds that it showed the education department in a bad light.
“Yes, they refused to give us a certificate saying that the theme of the film is objectionable”, said producer Guneet Monga of Sikhya Entertainment, talking to the PTI. “They didn’t ask for any cuts, just refused to pass the film, saying that it puts the teachers in a bad light,” he added.
Directed by Shlok Sharma, the film is about the relationship between a 14-year-old girl (Shweta Tripathi) and her tuition teacher (Siddiqui) in a small town. The film was premiered at the 15th annual New York Indian Film Festival where Siddiqui received the Best Actor award for his performance. The film also won the Silver Gateway of India trophy at the 17th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, last year.
With the CBFC deciding that the theme of the film is ‘unacceptable’, the filmmakers will now approach the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) for the certificate, failing which, the matter will be taken to court.
Kathakali, is also fighting a similar battle against the CBFC.
The film, directed by Sijo Kannanaikal, is about the life of a Kathakali artiste. Towards the end of the film, the protagonist removes the Kathakali attire and walks towards river Bharathapuzha.
The CBFC raised objections over the scenes when the character undresses and is beaten towards the end. The board also wanted the words ‘Kazhuveriyude mone’ (a common Malayalam abuse) deleted.
The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), a body of Malayalam film directors and technician, on Monday staged a sit-down protest in front of the regional office of the CBFC in Kerala.
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Responding to the allegations, the board’s regional officer A. Prathibha said, “We have followed the certification rules. We had issued a notice after examining the film. They neither responded to it nor went for an appeal. They went straight to the public and media.”
Meanwhile, veteran filmmaker Ashok Pandit slammed CBFC Chief Pahlaj Nihalani for denying certificates to films, stating that it reflects on Nihalani’s attitude and mindset.
Pahlaj Nihalani has so far not commented on either of the issues.
Image Courtesy: IMDb