Saffronisation is not a new idea to Indians, and has, in fact, seeped into the national conscience over the last few years. But the same scenario if portrayed in films could even invite few censor cuts. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused nod for the Malayalam film 'Irutt' (Darkness), directed by Santosh Babusenan and Satish Babusenan, over a few 'unacceptable' words.
The CBFC has asked the directors to remove words like beef-eaters, saffronisation, Maoists etc. Without a CBFC certification, the filmmakers will not be able to show the film anywhere in the country.
Babusenan brothers have refused to comply with the CBFC's demand and have decided to fight for their freedom of expression. Their 2015 film 'Chaayam Poosiya Veedu' (The Painted House) were also refused a certificate but the directors went to the Supreme Court where they saw victory for their freedom of expression and the film was cleared without any cuts.
“CBFC refuses to certify. We refuse to cut. WE WILL FIGHT!!! Apparently we cant say 'beef-eater' 'saffronization' 'Maoist' ... etc,” they said in a Facebook post.
“While our fight is primarily to protect our own personal right to show our film to other Indians (to like or dislike our work is totally up to them) it does have larger ramifications. We would love to be supported by like-minded individuals,” they added.
“We were asked to remove the word 'slut' used in the subtitle and few other words like saffronisation, CPIML, beef-eaters, etc from the film. We have sent our response to the chairman that we are not ready to accept the demands. They have decided to do a re-examination. We will definitely fight,” said Santosh Babusesnan.
When Onmanorama contacted CBFC, they said they were not ready to discuss about the film.
'Irutt' tells the story of a retired professor with liberal views who speaks his mind against the rising intolerance in our society. The film is written and directed by the brothers and features Kaladharan, Rasika, Nina Chakraborty, and Sree Ram in the lead.
Bollywood director's Prakash Jha's 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' was denied a censor certificate a couple of years ago for being 'lady-oriented' . Other Malayalam films like 'Sexy Durga' by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan and 'Ka Bodyscapes' by Jayan Cherian were also denied censor certificates in the recent years.
Director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan is also aghast at the censor's stand. “It is very unfortunate to hear that 'Iruttu' was denied a censor certificate. The words that CBFC asked to remove from the film are already prevalent in the society. How can someone expect a movie without talking about issues in the society? This is not just an issue faced by independent filmmakers alone. It is very difficult for people like Santosh and Satish who make good movies on a low budget and then run behind such censor issues.”
He also said that the issue should be fought at the organisational level in the Malayalam film industry itself.
