This story is from May 7, 2016

I have not recommended the screening of the film at JU: Madhuja Mukerjee

I have not recommended the screening of the film at JU: Madhuja Mukerjee
Madhuja Mukherjee, the head of the department of Jadavpur University’s Film Studies department, says students have the right to politically agitate
Was your opinion sought for the screening of ‘Buddha In a Traffic Jam’?
For film screenings, all applications go to the registrar. In all cases, he sends it to the head of the department of film studies. As a kind of a practice, JU has stayed away from any kind of films that may be released in theatres.
We have had film discussions but didn’t screen commercial releases. I have not seen this film. So, I can’t comment on the content or form. I have not recommended it. If you are planning a screening of a film on the students’ movement now, how can you say that it is unintentional? Of course, one can read a political intention into it.
Was the screening stalled because it had Anupam Kher in it?
If the students’ body thinks that a person is being abusive towards them, the concerned community has the right to protest. He has to critically/politically deal with it.
Do you think a film screening can be stalled by citing the model code of conduct?
I was present at an executive council meeting of JU where a number of issues were dealt with. Many decisions were deferred because of the model code of conduct. A film that is politically motivated can certainly fall under that code.

But isn’t it curbing freedom of expression?
If there is a political agenda in screening the film now, one has to say it openly. There can’t be any veiled attempts to propagate a stand. One can’t use of the freedom of expression card to get away with anything that they want to do. Right wing rallies have happened across Bengal. Our students haven’t gone there and protested. If it is a political conflict, I would want that to come out in the open. I wouldn’t support any Fascist stand. I think, any community has the right to make political demands. If students have the right to vote, they should have the right to politically agitate as well. If the movement is against the statute of the university, the authorities will address it. Not political leaders.
What do you have to say about the way students behaved with ABVP members?
I have heard that some students have been manhandled. That shouldn’t be done, irrespective of their gender. But students should move legally. They should not use primitive ways of holding back some members. I don’t support this.
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About the Author
Priyanka Dasgupta

Priyanka Dasgupta is the features editor of TOI Kolkata. She has over 20 years of experience in covering entertainment, art and culture. She describes herself as sensitive yet hard-hitting, objective yet passionate. Her hobbies include watching cinema, listening to music, travelling, archiving and gardening.

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