Democracy, Secularism, Freedom of speech!! We have all been taught of it ever since our childhood. Kids are still brought up being taught of it. And our own India very much stands symbolic to such traits. We have and always will take pride in being a republic and democratic country.
But turn of events lately has made everyone start to wonder if it is still the case now. We come across girls being arrested for their comments on social networking site over the alleged bandh reasoned for a political leader, Celebrities getting targeted every now and then over petty things, public often being reminded that freedom of speech comes at a cost, Minority stakes growing stronger and more demanding. All these at a time when common people have access to 'Rights to Information' act.
The latest such issue has been the government's ban on Vishwaroopam, a mega budget thriller from a legend who's known among millions all over the world. Ulaga Nayagan as he is deservingly called is one among a very few who has taken Indian cinema to greater heights and is still striving to give the film industry a lot more. He gets targeted more often than not. Mahanadhi had its share of opposal. So did Hey Ram, Alavandhaan, Virumaandi and Unnai Pol Oruvan.
While the initial opposal for Vishwaroopam by Muslim community was quite understandable considering the story line and filming, it is still confusing on how a ban could be posed on a movie which has been cleared by Central Board of Film Certification. And that too even before the film hit the screens. If there were any such scenes that could hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community, the film could as well be taken to the certification board again and modified with a consensus of the film maker and the opposal parties which is the ideal scenario. How does the government come into picture here? Possibilities are the opposal parties calling for governement intervention. Fair enough. The screening of the movie was hence banned on section 144 citing law and order situation. (The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPc). 144. Power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger.) First time ever, a tamil movie got screened everywhere on earth except TamilNadu.
On Jan 30, after much developments, a High Court Justice lifted the ban with Mr.Kamal agreeing to demands of the Muslim brothers for editing offensive scenes from the movie. However, soon after, the government challenged against this and eventually restored the ban. Appealing against court orders by involved parties are quite common but what could be the reason for the government's hasty approach? Talks are spreading that this could be the effect of Mr. Kamal's denial of TV rights for the film to a private channel and his favourable voice for P. Chidambaram for Presidential race. More such reasons are anybody's guess. First screening of the movie were stopped half way much to the dismay of fans. Theatres that screened the movie got attacked by unknown gang. Dissappointed fans went on protests. Good times for media though, cashing in on the high TRP ratings. We, ardent fans of Kamal and his movies are still waiting to get to see the film.
- DC
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