’Lifu Istene’ producers in dock for movie tampering

The producers and a film lab are in the dock for making changes to a film after obtaining certification from the censor board

'Lifu Istene' producers in dock for movie tampering

The producers and a film lab are in the dock for making changes to a film after obtaining certification from the censor board.

The recently released much hyped Kannada movie Lifu Istene is apparently in violation of rules, as the producers went ahead with altering the script and changing the climax without filing an application with the board for permission.

The cast and crew of Lifu Istene pose for a photo-op

A complaint has been filed by Regional Officer of the Censor Board for Film Certification, K Nagraj against producers, Syed Salam, M Manjunath and R Upendra Shetty under section 7(a) and & (b) of the cinematography Act.

It may be recalled that Upendra, who is also into production, is running Universal Coaching Centre from Vijay Nagar to train Public Service Commission aspirants.

Meanwhile, Nagraj in his complaint registered at the Upparpet police station said that the producers have incorporated a 12-minute-long comedy scene into the film, in addition to changing the climax.

"This tampering has been done after the censor board issued a certification," he said adding that the producer has not filed any application (under Cinematography Rule 33) seeking changes.

The board has issued a notice to the producers seeking clarification. In their explanation, the producers have admitted that they have deleted around 12 minutes of the movie and added a comedy scene instead, without seeking permission from the board.

Nagraj added that the move was a clear violation, which would attract punishment as per the rules. He further added that the producers as well as the lab Prasad Film Lab where the movie was tampered with are responsible. He has also asked the police to conduct a detailed probe with both parties.

Nagraj also said that it's a preliminary responsibility of the exhibitor to ensure the movie has a proper certification without any tampering. In this case even the UFO Moviez situated in Gandhi Nagar is responsible for screening the movie less than the certified duration, he said.

The film was screened with 122.09 minutes againstu00a0 the certified timing of 137.09 minutes. The Upparpet police had taken up the case and have sought details from the producers to take a further course of action.