Indian Panorama Jury Chairman Sujoy Ghosh, two members resign over dropping of shortlisted films
By HARVINDER AHUJA
As is its wont, the Government has run into yet another controversy—this time over the dropping of two films from the Indian Panorama section of the 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2017. It’s shocking, indeed, when the country is battling with a host of social and economic problems, unnecessary rows over works of art, culture and cinema are being added to its woes.
The latest controversy erupted two days ago when filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh resigned as Chairman of the Indian Panorama Jury in protest against the dropping of two films — ‘Nude’ and ‘S Durga’ — by the I&B Ministry from the original lineup. On Wednesday, two more members, editor Apurva Asrani and filmmaker Gyan Correa also called it quits. Though Ghosh preferred not to speak much and simply tweeted “my resignation is my statement”, Asrani said, “We’ve had a responsibility towards some very sincere films, and somewhere we have failed them.”
The Government, or Smriti Irani’s ministry to be precise, chose to remain silent for two full days while its party spokespersonstried to put up their best defence in TV studio debates over the issue. The facile arguments they professed was that it is the “prerogative of the Government” and that “India needed to be shown in positive light, especially to international audience”. This, of course, was coupled with the usual refrain of “fears” over law and order situation and “hurting” of people’s sentiments.
Incidentally, another yet-to-be-released film ‘Padmavati’ is already in lot of trouble for having ‘hurt’ the sentiment of some among the Rajput community. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been having problems since he started filming the movie. The sets of ‘Padmavati’ were vandalised twice and Bansaliwas roughed up by members of the Rajput Karni Sena earlier this year. The ‘aggrieved’ Rajput groups and some BJP members have accused Bhansali of having distorted history in his film.
As for the IFFI film-dropping row, the Government broke its silence on Wednesday and clarified that “due process” had been followed. It said uncensored films are allowed to be screened in film festivals since last year, but the producers need to get an “exemption certificate” from the ministry. This, it said, was denied to both the films.
In the case of Ravi Jadhav’s ‘Nude’, the certificate was denied due to incomplete post-production, a senior official of the Government told media. Regarding the other film directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, the ministry had objected to its content and original title, ‘Sexy Durga’, last month itself. The film was then denied censor exemption for being screened at the Mumbai Film Festival though it eventually made it to that once the Central Board for Film Certification gave it U/A certificateaftersuggesting change in title and deletion of certain words in some scenes.Now, claimed the Government, the originalversion had been submitted for IFFI screening leaving the ministry with no option but to deny it an “exemption certificate”.
Both the filmmakers, however, have debunked the Government justification of its action of dropping their films. While Jadhav responded that he was willing to screen the “complete” film if the ministry permitted it, Sasidharan said it was “a mere statement for justifying their illegal action”. He has even filed a writ petition in the Kerala High Court which has posted the matter for hearingon Thursday.
Critics, social activists and proponents of free speech have also lambasted the Government action questioning the very logic of constituting a 13-member jury when its decision can be overruled by the ministry. They are all the more agitated as, according to them, the jury’s decision to include ‘Nude’ and ‘S Durga’ was unanimous. In any case, they say, the Indian Panorama Rule 5 clearly states that the jury decision is final and it cannot be challenged. To the party spokespersons’ logic of filmmakers’ responsibility to show India in a positive light, their answer is that deadly air pollution in Delhi and mob lynching are much worse publicity for the country than bold cinema.
The sad thing, however, is that at a time when there is an urgent need to tackle serious issues like non-creation of jobs, slowing economic growth and rising intolerance, works of art, culture and cinema are becomingdominant part of the national discourse. An event like the international film festival is surely an opportunity to showcase the best of creative talent, and the country has it in abundance. They argue that those involved in creative pursuits are also responsible and matured enough, a fact which has been proved time and again. The only thing which is lacking is the Government’s trust in them and its inherent propensity to dabble in spheres which should be best left alone.
(The author is Delhi based Consulting Editor of Kashmir Age and can be reached at: harrysnigi@gmail.com)
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