CHENNAI: The Central Board of Film Certification here has refused to give its nod for exhibiting a film that is loosely based on Kilvenmani massacre. 'Nellu', a film on the struggle of farmers, was not given censor certification saying that it explicitly dealt with caste conflicts. Also, the climax portions were said to be portraying lower castes as humiliated and tortured people.
The film will now have to be certified after a review by a Revising Committee with more members, not exceeding 10.
'Nellu', directed by M Sivashankar and produced by AM Karthikeyan, deals with a sensitive theme connected to the Kilvenmani Massacre in which 44 agricultural labourers were burnt to death by local landlords for seeking higher wages.
The massacre took place on December 25, 1968, and shook the country at a time when it was poised to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s birth centenary, which fell on 1969.
A film on the same issue was made as part of the Gandhiji’s birth centenary films, titled the 'Ancient Curse'.
Speaking to Express, Assistant Regional Officer Sukumaran confirmed that Nellu did not get certification, but refused to divulge anything more.
The filmmaker remained unavailable for comment.
The Central Board of Film Certification in 2009 permitted the release of 'Thambivudayaan', a film based on Cauvery issue, only after all mentions about the river were removed.