JOIN USThe Censor Board on Monday faced flak for its refusal to certify two films for its portrayal of women issues and same-sex relationships, with Amnesty International India (AII) asking it not to indulge in ‘moral policing’.
The ‘recent denial of theatrical release to two films because they deal with women’s sexuality and same-sex relations amounts to open censorship of artistic expression’, the AII said in a statement.
The remarks came after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refused clearance for Hindi film Lipstick Under My Burkha for being ‘lady-oriented’ and Malayalam film Ka Bodyscapes for ‘glorifying’ gay and homosexual relationship. The CBFC had on February 24 denied certification of Lipstick Under My Burkha directed by Alankrita Shrivastava on the ground that ‘the story is lady-oriented, their fantasy above life. There are continuous sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography and a sensitive touch about one particular section of society.’
Similarly four days later, the CBFC did not clear Jayan Cherian-directed Ka Bodyscapes saying the film is glorifying the subject of gay and homosexual relationship.