Was Censor Board biased on Aamir Khan’s PK?

Despite the protest over hurting religious sentiments, Raju Hirani’s entertainer is turning out to be the biggest blockbuster of all times. But a Malayalam film about lives of two nuns is still awaiting to be cleared by the Censor Board. Read on to find out full story!

Making a film in India is not an easy task. Ask Rajkumar Hirani whose Aamir Khan starrer PK is facing strong protest from various Hindu groups, alleging the film as blasphemous. But despite all the ruckus around the demands of banning the film, PK has went on to become the biggest grosser of B-town. While people have came out in support of PK strongly, there is a small film in the Malayalam film industry which could really benefit from some support from progressive groups.

Filmmaker T Deepesh’s flick, Pithavinum Puthranum, which was ready to be released in 2012, has been awaiting the approval of Censor Board for the last two years. The Censor Board has apparently refused to certify the film stating that it would hurt Christian sentiments. Speaking about his film the director said, “According to CBFC, the film could not be certified for public exhibition because the content of the film was likely to hurt the religious sentiments of the Christian community, but in my film there is nothing that could hurt Christianity as such, because it explores the lives of two nuns. Though some dark characters among the priests find place in the film, it is not about religion.”

“It explores the inner yearnings of a nun who dreams of colourful dress and the brightness of life. If the authorities can permit the book by Sister Jesmi, why not a film that explores the depths of a nun’s thoughts?” added the Malayalam filmmaker. The film seems to have been appreciated by the members of Censor Board, but they claim that it cannot be released as they have received over 20 complaints about the film. “But how come anybody raise the complaint without watching the film”, asked the troubled director.

“Unfortunately even the progressive movements that came to support PK, or the Left parties that vouch for freedom of expression, did not come to support us and the industry organizations feign ignorance,” signed off the Deepesh.

While we strongly believe that no film should be banned without being given a free run, this shocking tale of Deepesh and his film throws light on the double standards of Censor Board. It also makes us wonder, if the Board was lenient with Aamir Khan’s PK as it was a big star vehicle.

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