Censors Refuse To Clear Movie With Student-Teacher Romance, Makers To Appeal
Himanshi Dhawan & Mohua Chatterjee (THE TIMES OF INDIA; June 19, 2016)
The controversy over Udta Punjab has barely died down when another Anurag Kashyap production has run into rough weather. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused to certify Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starred 'Haraamkhor', objecting to its theme, which deals with a student-teacher romance.The filmmakers now plan to approach the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal.
The Censor Board has “refused“ certification on the grounds that a teacher is a “respectable figure in our society“ and the film shows an illicit relationship between a teacher and a teenage student. “There are many filthy dialogues spoken by kids and body gestures of the kids were also found to be objectionable. Kids committing crime etc does not merit any certificate to the film. Hence, 'refused' because of its theme itself,“ the CBFC letter said.
When asked, Kashyap confirmed that the producers were planning to appeal to FCAT against the censor board's decision. The film, directed by Shlok Sharma, is a love story that revolves around a delicate relationship between a school teacher in a small Gujarati town and his teenage female student. It has been produced by Kashyap and Guneet Monga under the Sikhya Entertainment banner.
Haraamkhor was premiered in the 15th annual New York Indian Film Festival and Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA). Nawazuddin Siddiqui received the best actor award for the film at the New York Indian Film Festival. Filmmakers pointed out that such themes had been explored in several films earlier and it was disturbing that the board was over-reaching in its functions to sit on judgement over social issues.
Controversial film rakes in Rs 10cr on Day 1
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Udta Punjab earned a total of Rs 10.05 crore on its opening day, garnering a good response in northern India. “The best collections have come in mainly from Delhi and Punjab,“ the producers said. The movie, however, had a slow start in the south and eastern region. “The opening of the film was not that great, but it picked up during the day. It's a mixed response,“ said film distributor Raj Thandani. Distributors feel the controversy has helped pulling in audience to theatres. “It had an occupancy of 75-80 %. We are confident that it will sustain as its content is strong,“ said Thomas D'Souza, head-programming, PVR Cinemas, Delhi.
The Censor Board has “refused“ certification on the grounds that a teacher is a “respectable figure in our society“ and the film shows an illicit relationship between a teacher and a teenage student. “There are many filthy dialogues spoken by kids and body gestures of the kids were also found to be objectionable. Kids committing crime etc does not merit any certificate to the film. Hence, 'refused' because of its theme itself,“ the CBFC letter said.
When asked, Kashyap confirmed that the producers were planning to appeal to FCAT against the censor board's decision. The film, directed by Shlok Sharma, is a love story that revolves around a delicate relationship between a school teacher in a small Gujarati town and his teenage female student. It has been produced by Kashyap and Guneet Monga under the Sikhya Entertainment banner.
Haraamkhor was premiered in the 15th annual New York Indian Film Festival and Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA). Nawazuddin Siddiqui received the best actor award for the film at the New York Indian Film Festival. Filmmakers pointed out that such themes had been explored in several films earlier and it was disturbing that the board was over-reaching in its functions to sit on judgement over social issues.
Controversial film rakes in Rs 10cr on Day 1
Udta Punjab earned a total of Rs 10.05 crore on its opening day, garnering a good response in northern India. “The best collections have come in mainly from Delhi and Punjab,“ the producers said. The movie, however, had a slow start in the south and eastern region. “The opening of the film was not that great, but it picked up during the day. It's a mixed response,“ said film distributor Raj Thandani. Distributors feel the controversy has helped pulling in audience to theatres. “It had an occupancy of 75-80 %. We are confident that it will sustain as its content is strong,“ said Thomas D'Souza, head-programming, PVR Cinemas, Delhi.