KOCHI: The decision by Kerala Women’s Commission (KWC) to send a notice to actor Mammootty, director Nidhin Ranji Panicker and producer Alice George for the alleged misogynist dialogue and scene in Malayalam film ‘Kasaba’ may not yield much as there is not much it can do in practical terms since the Central Board for Film Certification(CBFC), which is the competent authority, has issued a certificate for the film’s public screening, experts aver.
“As the movie does not violate the Cinematograph Act of 1954, which is the basis for giving certification for films in the country, nothing can be done against a movie after a certificate has been issued to it. It cannot be repealed or re-censored. Even if there were a violation of the censor guidelines it is the Home Department (of the respective state) that has the authority to take appropriate action against the movie. However, there is very little clarity on the Home Department’s role in such a scenario,” said Nissar Muhammed, former member, CBFC Thiruvananthapuram region.
According to FEFKA, the association of film technicians, it cannot interfere in the issue since it is not a monitoring agency
“We heard that the Commission is going to send notices to FEFKA and AMMA. We are not monitoring agencies and hence cannot interfere in the making of the films,” said B Unnikrishnan FEFKA general secretary,adding, “ The CBFC had cleared the movie and it is final. Then there is no relevance now for such a demand by the KWC,” he said.
Unnikrishnan also pointed out that issuing a notice to an actor would not do any good as he had little say in effecting major changes to the film.Nidhin Renji Panicker, who helmed the flick, said they would rather not react on the issue. “They have to view a film as a film. It has been given a U/A certificate by an authority under the Union government. We will face it legally if they initiate legal action,” he said.
Earlier in 2012, the KWC headed by K C Rosakutty had demanded a special screening for Blessy’s Kalimannu for its alleged portrayal of the women in a negative light. However, the demand was rejected and the five women members of the Censor Board viewed the film after which it was certified U/A. Following this, the chairperson had blamed the media for triggering a controversy.