Film on note ban faces ‘ban’ by Censor Board; director vows to fight for its release

'Confused' Censor Board stalled the release of Bengali film, Shunyota, based on demonetisation.

Kolkata, March 30: Once again, the Central Board of Film Certification, popularly known as the Censor Board, has stalled the release of a film titled, Shunyota. The Bengali film is based on the issue of demonetisation. The regional office of the Censor Board, according to director of the film, is confused as in which category the film could be slotted.

The movie--on effects of demonetisation on aam aadmi--was scheduled to release on Friday. However, without the Censor Board's nod the release of the film has been delayed.

"The Examining Committee has examined the film on March 27. Since there are differences of opinion among the members of the committee regarding certificate, the case is being referred, as per the Certification rules, to the Chairman CBFC for his decision in this regard," a letter from the CBFC regional office told the film's producers.

"You will be informed accordingly as soon as this office gets intimation from the CBFC Chairperson's office with regard to the certification," the letter signed by CBFC regional officer said.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Kolkata, Suvendu Ghosh, the director of the film, said, "I have learnt that CBFC members are not sure in which category they should slot the film. If they had any issue, they could have given U/A to the film. My three-part film does not take any stand on the demonetisation issue.

"While it talks about the problems faced by the aam admi belonging to different strata of society, it also points out that demonetisation has given rise to the issue of transparency in cash transaction. It (the film ) has no political colour but had they (CBFC) told me to cut certain parts I would have considered."

In recent times, several films like Udta Punjab and Lipstick Under My Burkha faced trouble after the Censor Board denied these movies to get released in the theatres. Ghosh said the Censor Board was touchy about few subjects and 'banning' movies had become a trend.

However, the director is adamant to release his film in the theatres. "Have I directed the feature film for releasing it on YouTube? No, I wish it to be screened in cinema halls and multiplexes before an audience. I will fight over the issue. Shunyota has been invited to several film festivals including a film festival in the United Kingdom where it will be the inaugural film," he said.

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