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This story is from November 14, 2008
Deshdrohi is not anti-Marathi: Kamal Khan
Producer-actor Kamal Khan of the controversial Hindi film Deshdrohi says the ban on the movie appears to be the handy-work of the ruling party in Maharashtra.
Though Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) welcomed the ban on the film, Khan does not blame the party saying its representatives who watched the film quite liked it and had only objected to a couple of scenes in the flick. Excerpts from an interview with Timesofindia.com:
In view of the current volatile situation in Maharashtra, a film based on the tug-of-war between Marathis and North Indians may add fuel to the fire. Why did you make this film?
I am a businessman and one of my ventures is making films. My film was completed in January, this year. It was much before the tension erupted in the state.
How did you hear about the government's decision to impose two months' ban on your film?
I first heard the news in the media. On Thursday evening I received the ban order in writing following which I filed an application the next day (Friday) in the Bombay High Court to remove the ban on my film. The matter is expected to come up for hearing soon.
The film's promos depict some scenes that provoke the anti feeling among Marathis towards the people from UP and Bihar. What do you have to say on this?
I have been hearing all sorts of comments regarding this. It's hard to fathom whom to believe. Just now I was watching a news channel where it was said the film did not instigate anybody or any community.
There are dialogues like "Bhaiya" ( a demeaning tone referring to folks from UP and Bihar) that it is feared may fan anti-north Indian sentiments, already simmering among certain sections of people in the state...
I can only say that some people did not want my film to be released and so they found a way to ban it. You have to see the film in the whole context. You cannot judge it by watching one clipping. The film has been cleared by the Film Censor Board in India.
By some people do you mean the politicians of the ruling party or the MNS?
No, not the MNS. They quite liked my films. Except for a couple of scenes in the film, they had no objection to my film. Besides that, personally, they did not convey anything to me.
So, you mean it's the politicians from the ruling party in the state who are to be blamed for the ban on your film?
Who else can impose the ban? It can't be the opposition party and no other political party (including the MNS) had a problem if the film released. It seems the ruling party in the state did not want my film to be released.
Have you shown the Marathis as villains in your film?
No, it's not anti-Marathi. The film revolves around an unemployed youth who comes to Mumbai and encounters certain situations. It shows the face of the present day politics in our state and country and my film is about the 'aam aadmi' (common man) with a message that we should refrain from practicing or following cheap politics. On the contrary, we should work towards the development of our country.
Your film released all over India (except Maharashtra) on Friday. What response have you received till now?
In Bihar it released in 45 theatres and all the shows are running to packed houses. In Gujarat the film had 60 percent opening. At other places too the film received 50 percent opening.
Have you received any threat due to the controversy surrounding your film?
Yes, I do get threat calls, but they don't bother me.
Tell us something about yourself.
I belong to Roorkee (Uttaranchal) but live in Mumbai. I am a businessman and have interests in garments and construction businesses. I have made five films till now (three in Bhojpuri and two in Hindi). All my films have been inspired by real life instances. I believe in merging real life and fiction to make an interesting film.
Do you have any more film projects on the floor?
I am planning to make two Hindi films. One will be based on the famous Aarushi murder case and the other on how media functions in our society. I have not decided the star cast and not thought about taking any established actors either. I'll see how it goes.
End of Article
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