Sanal Kumar Sasidharan's latest film 'Sexy Durga' sheds light on the atrocities inflicted on women in a male-dominated society. This filmmaker from Thiruvananthapuram talks about how obsessiveness and worship can make a patriarchal society oppressive and abusive when it comes to power. He said the film had no religious connection, and explains if at all there's one, it's truly philosophical, analysing the reasons behind the atrocities against women in India.
However, the censor board has intervened in the following manner, preceding the film's screening at MAMI, in about two weeks time.
"As regards the film at S.No. 145 titted "Sexy Durga', this Ministry has been receiving several grievances against its title. Therefore, exemption is not being granted in respect of the said film. Ministry is of the view that, it may affect the law and order as it hurts the religious sentiments, 'Durga' being a principal Hindu Goddess. The applicant however, may approach the Central 'Board of Film Certification for certification of this film in normal course instead
of seeking exemption."
Sanal is upset and angry to the extent of calling India "a land that's becoming like Iran". He is justified to be so.
In India, we have deified women and venerated her as Durga, Saraswati, Laxmi and others mellifluous names, but the veneration resides only in the nomenclature. As wrongdoings against the female, killing of girls, dowry deaths, sexual assaults do not show any indication to be on the decline in our country, naming of a film brings about the chagrin like nothing else. Is any of this benevolence on the part of the Censor Board directed towards developing, funding and appreciating woman-centric films, films which talk about the raging issues of sexual violence and raises awareness about relevant issues. Well, that might do some real good, in the manner cinema can do good to society.
As it happens, the film would be screened at MAMI, with the title suitable altered. This is probably the most direct instantiation of the unguarded censorship we have institutionalized and imbibed. Of course, trust hypocrisy to rule without impunity in the land where self-appointed guardians flog and scream and disturb every fabric of culture themselves.
However, the censor board has intervened in the following manner, preceding the film's screening at MAMI, in about two weeks time.
"As regards the film at S.No. 145 titted "Sexy Durga', this Ministry has been receiving several grievances against its title. Therefore, exemption is not being granted in respect of the said film. Ministry is of the view that, it may affect the law and order as it hurts the religious sentiments, 'Durga' being a principal Hindu Goddess. The applicant however, may approach the Central 'Board of Film Certification for certification of this film in normal course instead
of seeking exemption."
Sanal is upset and angry to the extent of calling India "a land that's becoming like Iran". He is justified to be so.
In India, we have deified women and venerated her as Durga, Saraswati, Laxmi and others mellifluous names, but the veneration resides only in the nomenclature. As wrongdoings against the female, killing of girls, dowry deaths, sexual assaults do not show any indication to be on the decline in our country, naming of a film brings about the chagrin like nothing else. Is any of this benevolence on the part of the Censor Board directed towards developing, funding and appreciating woman-centric films, films which talk about the raging issues of sexual violence and raises awareness about relevant issues. Well, that might do some real good, in the manner cinema can do good to society.
As it happens, the film would be screened at MAMI, with the title suitable altered. This is probably the most direct instantiation of the unguarded censorship we have institutionalized and imbibed. Of course, trust hypocrisy to rule without impunity in the land where self-appointed guardians flog and scream and disturb every fabric of culture themselves.
Edited poster of the film with the 'inappropriate' word censored for general consumption.
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