: Filmmakers and technicians of Malayalam film industry came together on Monday to extend support to first-time director Saijo Kannanaikkal, whose film, Kathakali, has been denied certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
A demonstration was staged by members of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) who laid siege to the office of the CBFC at the Chitranjali Studio here.
Inaugurating the protest meet, FEFKA general secretary B. Unnikrishnan said the CBFC has been embroiled in several controversies, including a recent one related to the release of Anurag Kashyap’s Udta Punjab . “Such episodes have brought to light the efforts by the Board to curtail the creative freedom of filmmakers. The issue concerning Kathakali is not an isolated incident, but must be viewed in the same light. Attempts made at imposing restrictions on film-makers must be countered at all costs,” he said.
‘Tyrannical manner’
FEFKA president and noted film-maker Kamal held the view out that the CBFC had often exceeded its jurisdiction by attempting to impose censorship. The Board had been instituted as an authority that is primarily meant to certify films on the basis of their suitability for various sections of the audience. “However, the body has functioned in a tyrannical style and has dictated the manner in which films were to be made,” he remarked.
Mr. Kamal held the view that ‘vulgarity’ is an oft misused word that was utilised by the CBFC as a plank to demand unreasonable cuts in films. A deep understanding of Indian cinema and its evolution is required to comprehend how the art has always strived to break free from narrow-minded social conventions as well as the political interests of the ruling dispensations.
Noted film-maker T.V. Chandran said he had been a victim of censorship throughout his career. He pointed out that he had faced several issues prior to the release of most of his films including Susanna and Mohavalayam .
Film-maker Sibi Malayil, Malayalam Cine Technicians’ Association (MACTA) chairman G.S. Vijayan, actor P. Sreekumar, cinematographer Vipin Mohan and dubbing artiste Bhagyalakshmi were among those who were present on the occasion.
