NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Film Certification is in news again, for obviously all negative reasons.
The CBFC has denied Malayalam film 'Ka Bodyscapes' a certificate and their reason of the “refusal” is- glorifying the subject of gay and homosexual relationship.
The film follows the lives of three young people in Calicut – “Haris, a gay painter; Vishnu, a rural kabaddi player and their friend Sia, an activist who refuse to conform to dominant norms of femininity, struggle to find space and happiness in a conservative Indian City.”
Director Jayan Cherian posted the official letter from the CBFC on social media, adding, “It’s official, Mr. Pahlaj Nihalani (chairman of the CBFC) put the final nail in my coffin!”
The letter, from the second revising committee, reads, "The second Revising Committee felt that the film is glorifying the subject of gay and homosexual relationship, nudity accentuating vital parts of male body (in paintings) in closed shots in the whole movie."
"The film is explicit of scene offending Hindu sensibilities depicting vulgarity and obscenity through the movie. The religion of 'Hindu' is portrayed in a derogatory manner especially Lord Hanuman (shown in a poor light as gay) which may cause law and order problem in the society."
"The film contains posters depicting homosexuality throughout the movie and derogatory remarks against women. Abusive language is used in most of the places and also a female Muslim character is shown masturbating. The film has references to Hindu organisations indirectly which is unwarranted."
On this note, last month the CBFC denied clearance to Prakash Jha's upcoming film 'Lipstick Under My Burkha,' for its sexual scenes, abusive words and audio pornography.
The notice of CBFC against the Alankrita Shrivastava directed flick, stated, "The story is lady oriented, their fantasy above life. There are contentious sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography and a bit sensitive touch about one particular section of society, hence film refused under guidelines."
Even Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer 'Haraamkhor' was refused certification, for depicting an illicit relationship between a school teacher and his teenage student.