Modi vs Kejriwal: All you need to know about controversial documentary 'Battle for Banaras'

New Delhi, April 20: After censor board, now Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) has denied certificate to controversial documentary 'Battle for Banaras' for public display. Reportedly, the tribunal denied its nod as it fears that documentary may cause "communal disharmony".

The controversial documentary, 'Battle for Banaras' is based on the 2014 poll battle between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Reportedly, producer of the documentary is angry with the judgement and is threathening to move the High Court against the FCAT's order.

FCAT judgement

• It justifies censor board's stand over it.
• Citing reasons why it supported censor board on it, Tribunal says that film is full of hate/inflammatory speeches, given by political leaders of different parties
• Documentary also tries to divide people on caste and communal lines, says FCAT.
• Obnoxious remarks too have been made against many individuals in the short film.
• The FCAT judgement said, "The release of the film may cause not only communal disharmony but also disharmony among the members of different castes and communities. It clearly violates the guidelines for certification for films of public exhibition... The appeal is accordingly dismissed".

What documentary makers are saying?

• Film director and producer are peeved with the judgement. They say that order is violation of our freedom of expression.
• "We vehemently disagree with the tribunal's decision. We will take this to the High Court to protect our constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression", produer said.

All about the documentary

• The documentary is based on behind-the-scene look at the high-octane poll battle in Modi's parliamentary constituency Varanasi.
• 'Battle for Banaras' was shot for 44 days during 2014 Lok Sabha poll.
• Documentary has been directed by Kamal Swaroop.
• Manu Kumaran is producer of the controversial short film.

OneIndia News