Government silent on Nirbhaya documentary; KFCC plans new one

BENGALURU: With no response from the government on Nirbhaya, a documentary directed by S K Bhagawan and Naganna, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) is thinking of making a new one.Chamber president Thomas D'Souza said the documentary was conceived by his predecessor H D Gangaraju to create awareness on rape and sexual harassment against women with Sandalwood actors expressing concern over the issue."The documentary was submitted to the government last year but the chamber hasn't received any response till now. The plan was to screen the documentary in all theatres," he said, adding that directors for the new one will be selected soon. Bhagawan said the CD of the earlier documentary had been given to the information department. "I think it was handed over to the police department. We removed a couple of comments like 'Rape maaduvavaranna kochi haakabeku' (Those who commit rape should be lynched). I don't think there is any controversy. "Vishu Kumar, director, information department, said the documentary has to be scrutinized by the police and legal departments to ensure all guidelines are followed. "The chamber has requested us to release the CD," he added. Sources, however, said the government has withheld the documentary due to objectionable content. TOI had access to the documentary which shows incidents of women being attacked, women reacting to assaults and visuals of agitations against Nirbhaya's rape in Delhi. The CD has a tagline Bhaya padabedi, sidideli (Don't get frightened, wake up and fight).