Namaskaram andi!

Is freedom of speech being eroded by communal associations, needs retrospection by the fundamentals of Democracy. The 'hate speeches' and sequences shown in poor light,' have become the limelight of controversies. While many a times this is conveniently used by opportunists to gain publicity, and this pushes the huge budgeted ventures into hurdles. In today's Politicking Wishesh let's have a glimpse about these films.

On the contrary some films have gained good revenues and thrived on these controversies while many are suffering. This is just the lighter side of the issue while no harm is intended to anyone. One prominent argument that holds good in the given circumstances should hold good. Every film is certified by the state censor board which is the highest authority to pronounce what is fit for viewing by whom. And in spite of getting the approval, if troubled by these associations is really traumatic for the crew of the film.

 Does this mean that the rules of the Board have to be amended or are the associations trying to dominate the authorities. In either case they are throttling the throats of our rights. It is the film goer who has to decide what has to be viewed and what not and not the associations, especially after the censors has issued the certificate. In spite of being 'injurious to health' tobacco products get into the markets, but of course with a statutory warning. Where as films that are controversial need to stay in the cans or shred excess baggage.

The recent outbursts in the city by many associations seems needs to be assessed on a case to case basis. The first in the league is veteran Mohan Babu's film Dhenikaina Ready that attracted the ire of the Brahmin associations. The irony was that some of the associations expressed their consent but many others spilled venom. On the whole the controversy brought fortune to the producers who were supposed to reach approximately the ten crore club, but reaped in almost double of the expected returns.
 

 The next was 'Woman in Brahmanism' which also attracted the ire of the same association over the unwanted fleshy scenes in the film that showed the community in poor light. This novel written by popular writer Chalam, was screened with steaming scenes leaving the core competence of the subject far behind. After the censor cuttings and the ones recommended by the agitating associations the only scenes that would have remained should be the titles and the conclusion. The whole endeavor was a big loss to the producers of the film who should have really taken care of the narration.
 

The same controversy seized the Power Star Pawan Kalyan's film 'Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu.' many regional associations expressed their reluctance and stalled the screens. Later, filmmaker Puri Jagannath had to edit the film further to get their permission. All in a day's work and from the second day of release most scenes were cut which left the storyboard in a lurch. However the film fared well at the box office and hence no regrets.

The recent film from the house of Dr Kamal Haasan, Viswaroopam has won universal acclaim for the star sans his home state and Hyderabad. In Tamil Nadu the film has been delayed by about a fortnight. In Hyderabad it was snatched away from screens after the first show and is scheduled for January 28. some Muslim associations have sought a ban on the screening as the film is alleged to have shown their community in poor light. This happening to Kamal who heads the 'Humanity for Care' NGO, which pioneers in developing closer links between the Hindus and the Muslims, is quite appalling.  

The huge budgeted film made at an whopping cost of Rs 150 crores (as per rumors) will take time to hit the screens in the actor's home state while it is garnering praises from all quarters, elsewhere over the technical and narration excellence. It may be noted that Kamal had already screened a premiere for the associations in Tamil Nadu as per their demands, yet this fate. Pathetic and tragedy that dictates the Indian Cinema, feel filmy critics. (Wishesh AarKay)