Two Films With References To PM Modi Stalled By Censor Board
A semi-fictional feature film Modi Ka Gaon on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rural development scheme , and a political satire Rambhajjan Zindabad have both been refused certification by the Censor Board Of Film Certification(CBFC).
The makers of both the films have been heard complaining loudly about their freedom of expression being denied by the CBFC .
Pahlaj Nihalani takes strong objection to what he refers to as “loose irresponsible talk.”
Explaining why the two films were rejected he says, “Modi Ka Gaonis about Modiji’s development schemes. They even have an actor playing the Prime Minister. Since the guidelines on politicians and national leaders are very clear all we asked the producer to do was to get an NOC from Prime Minister’s office. What is so objectionable about our request?”
As for Rambhajjjan Zindabad there is a character played by Kulbhushan Kharbanda who is apparently modelled on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Nihalani lashes out at the film. “It’s extremely vulgar. The language used for women is inexcusably coarse. It also trivializes rape by showing women being given ‘compensation’ for their ordeal. We cannot allow this film to be certified.And the makers should stop trying to sentimentalize the situation by publicizing their film as Om Puri’s last film. Omji, God bless his soul, did Gurinder Chadha’s Viceroy’s House and Kabir Khan’s Tubelight which will release later.Thank God Omji’s admirers don’t have to remember him by Rambhajjan Zindabad.”
Nihalani warns filmmakers against using the CBFC’s name. “Stop using the censorbaord as a means to get publicity for films.”
