Documentary on Narendra Modi-Arvind Kejriwal clash in Varanasi fails to get FCAT certification

The Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) has upheld the decision of the Examining Committee (EC) of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), to deny certification for The Battle Of Banaras.

The documentary directed by Kamal Swaroop chronicles Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s candidature for the Lok Sabha from the Varanasi constituency where he fought the elections against Arvind Kejriwal. The FCAT’s decision now leaves the docu’s makers with no other recourse but to approach the courts.

In its notification, refusing certification for The Battle Of Banaras, the FCAT states, “After having viewed the film, we are of the opinion that the CBFC was justified in refusing to grant certification for the reasons that the theme of the film was full of hate/inflammatory speeches given by all the political parties. It tries to divide people on caste and communal lines and derogatory remarks have been made against individuals. The release of the film may cause not only communal disharmony but also disharmony amongst the members of different castes and communities... The appeal is accordingly dismissed.”