Producer Ashoke Pandit claims that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has declined to approve the trailer for the upcoming movie 72 Hoorain, which is directed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan. The movie, which has Pavan Malhotra and Aamir Bashir in the key roles, explores the effects of violent extremism.
Ashoke Pandit expressed his dissatisfaction and urged the CBFC Chairperson, Prasoon Joshi, and Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, to take action.
Pandit slammed the CBFC in his video message for restricting their freedom of speech and creative independence. He emphasised how ironic it was that the movie received honours like a National Award and recognition at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), yet the trailer wasn’t allowed to be certified. Pandit expressed dissatisfaction with the board’s inconsistent decision-making procedures.
Labelling the decision as regressive and detrimental to the artistic spirit, Ashoke Pandit who is the co-producer of the movie, said, “We are extremely hurt and disturbed because of CBFC’s unfair decision of rejecting the trailer without any staunch reason. This action raises a big concern about creativity freedom and realistic filmmaking. We will not take this lightly and will knock on the doors of the high court too if needed. Further, we will also be requesting the I&B ministry to intervene and question the authority at CBFC for rejecting the trailer.”
The director of the movie, Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, a two-time National Award Winner, who seemed visibly disturbed with CBFC’S decision, added, “The movie has won the National Award by the government and has received a censor certificate already. The trailer carries the same essence of the movie. So on what basis has CBFC rejected the trailer!” He added, “We would request everybody to watch the movie and then jump to any conclusion. The movie only states facts and certainly does not target any religion or hurt religious sentiments.”
The team as a whole has been severely upset by the unfair rejection by CBFC, according to producer Gulab Singh Tanwar, especially as the reasons for the rejection appear to be wholly without merit. “All I want to say is that the CBFC did something wrong. On the one hand, the government praises 72 Hoorain and awards it a National Honour. On the other hand, the CBFC rejects the trailer for the same movie for reasons that are best known to them and that they alone can fully comprehend. This is totally unfair and perplexing.
The movie, which was made by Saarthie Entertainment and Aliens Pictures, examines touchy subjects and seeks to start a conversation about violent extremism. However, it is clear that some social groups are troubled by how it is portrayed.
