29 November,2017 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist Team
Multiple attempts to get controversial film S Durga screened at IFFI prove futile as CBFC demands revising it on fest's last day
After being mired in controversy over its screening at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Sanal Kumar Sasidharan's S Durga was eventually refused a schedule. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ordered that the Malayalam film be re-examined over alleged violation of rules. A screening of the censored version was held for the jury of the Indian Panorama on Monday. But, the CBFC wrote to the producers yesterday, asking them to resubmit the movie, after previously giving it a U/A certificate.
S Durga
The bone of contention appears to be the three hashtags that follow the letter 'S' in the revised title, which was earlier named Sexy Durga. The letter, addressed to producer Shaji Mathew, read: "It appears that you have prima facie, deliberately violated the Rule 33 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules... In this connection, I am directed to inform you that the above film will be re-examined under the provision of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, with the date and venue being notified to you soon."
Accusing authorities of curbing "artistic freedom", Sasidharan said, "If you make a film which the government does not like, then, at any cost they are not going to allow you to screen it anywhere. IFFI, which saw French drama, 120 Beats Per Minute, win the top award, concluded yesterday.
