Labelling it as a woman-oriented film, CBFC refuses to certify 'Lipstick Under My Burkha'
| Feb 23, 2017, 15:51 IST
Often dubbed as the 'cultural custodians' of the country, censor board often takes it on self to moral police the society. Censor Board, of late, has been in news owing to films like 'Udta Punjab' and 'Befikre'. While earlier the debate was regarding the cuts and the moral policing, with 'Lipstick Under My Burkha', it is regarding the refusal to certify the film.
Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, the film was screened for the censors in January, and the makers were later informed that the film cannot be certified. In a letter issued by the CBFC, the reasons stated for refusal read, "The story is lady oriented, their fantasy above life. There are continous sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography and a bit sensitive touch about one particular section of society, hence film refused under guidelines 1(a), 2(vii), 2(ix), 2(x), 2(xi), 2(xii) and 3(i).”
The producer of the film, Prakash Jha, who is currently in London, spoke to Mumbai Mirror and said, "As a country we must encourage freedom of expression but the CBFC refusing to certify films that tell uncomfortable stories discourages filmmakers from pushing the envelope. Films should challenge the status quo which is what Lipstick Under My Burkha perhaps does and I believe our audience deserve to watch it.”
Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, the film was screened for the censors in January, and the makers were later informed that the film cannot be certified. In a letter issued by the CBFC, the reasons stated for refusal read, "The story is lady oriented, their fantasy above life. There are continous sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography and a bit sensitive touch about one particular section of society, hence film refused under guidelines 1(a), 2(vii), 2(ix), 2(x), 2(xi), 2(xii) and 3(i).”
The producer of the film, Prakash Jha, who is currently in London, spoke to Mumbai Mirror and said, "As a country we must encourage freedom of expression but the CBFC refusing to certify films that tell uncomfortable stories discourages filmmakers from pushing the envelope. Films should challenge the status quo which is what Lipstick Under My Burkha perhaps does and I believe our audience deserve to watch it.”