Goutam Ghose: Why shouldn’t Punjab be used in ‘Udta’ title?

Kolkata: While the Bombay high court has reserved its verdict on ‘

Udta Punjab

’ until Monday, veteran director Goutam Ghose sees no problems in the use of ‘Punjab’ in the title. However, he added that Central Board of Film Certification can have a say in the matter if the context of using the state’s name is “harmful”. Ghose is part of the Shyam Benegal-led panel that has suggested reforms in

CBFC

. Though Ghose has not watched the film, he “respects” freedom of speech that is guarded by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. “Yet, sensitive issues like communal instigation and sedition have to be taken into account. In our Constitution, the fundamental right was limited by Article 19 (2). Issues regarding what can constitute communal instigation and sedition are subjective. What could be sedition in my eyes may not be so in someone else’s. It’s a tricky area,” Ghose said. That’s why Ghose insists “some kind of protection” is required while certifying a film. “CBFC can give grades. But if there is a possibility of communal instigation, certification can be refused. The makers can then approach the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal. Records say CBFC never wins in such cases,” Ghose said. Had he been in censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani’s place, Ghose would not have objected to the state’s name being used. “CBFC will have a say if the usage is harmful. But that’s a subjective space. The manner of portrayal of names in films can have subjective interpretations. For many, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was a superhero. For others, he wasn’t. In cases of dilemma, the board can refuse certification. But there will be no cuts,” Ghose said. The director said while the Benegal-led panel was discussing all these issues, it was pointed out that only “one or two” among 500 films face such problems. Ghose added: “Noam Chomsky has had the last word here. It’s all about ‘manufacturing consent’.” Director

Ashok Viswanathan

said going by Nihalani’s track record and CBFC’s operational process, the trend doesn’t seem “conducive to creative outpouring”. “If the idea is to depict growing addiction towards alcohol/drugs and methods of combating it, deleting Punjab’s name isn’t a good idea,” he said. However, he didn’t rule out the possibility of CBFC being used by some as a “hook” for publicity. “It has happened earlier. Going by the trailer, this seems more like a film meant to entertain. Maybe there is an attempt at using CBFC to leverage promotion,” he said. While hearing the case, the judge had asked the CBFC counsel: “If the film has expletives and foul language throughout, then people won’t watch it. Why are you giving so much publicity to it?” Director Ujjwal Chatterjee, who is part of CBFC, said: “Such words cannot be used in the context of the chairman. I think the whole controversy has also ensured that the film’s PR machinery works overtime.” Federation of Film Societies of India general secretary Premendra Mazumder said his organisation was against any form of censorship. “Our federation had submitted its observations on CBFC to the Benegal panel. We had suggested complete creative freedom for all artistes. The government should stop monitoring cinema,” Mazumder said.