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Comment by FreedomToCreate | Hacker News Reader

The real reason for this ban is corrupt politicians who are embarrassed by the terrible infrastructure and condition of their communities, who rather than acting to fix the issues, take bribes and eat away at the money allocated to facilitate growth in their communities. This is a common problem in India. Just this week a movie depicting the huge drug problem in the state of Punjab was banned and requested by the censor board to change the name of the locations in the movie so that it doesn't target the state directly. Complete BS by politicians trying to cover their own asses.

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'Udta Punjab' is not "banned" anywhere. CBFC asked them to make a huge number of cuts including those you mention in order to get an 'A' certificate. The producers took them to court and have so far only conceded one cut: depicting the rock star protagonist high and pissing on the audience during a concert. The Bombay High Court has slammed the CBFC (aka 'censor' board) for overreaching reminding them that censorship is not part of their mandate. The official verdict is on Monday but so far it looks like the movie will be passed with no other cuts. Also, there is an appellate tribunal in the CBFC which reverses its decisions on specific cuts for the most part but they weren't invoked in this case because of the shortage of time.

So yes, the CBFC did probably do what they did under political pressure but the politicians don't control everything in the end.

Fair enough, though it has required the film makers to push back a considerable amount to cause the CBFC to backdown slightly and get reasonable action from the Bombay high court.

The fact that politicians can even take this step for censorship demonstrates a weakness in the freedom of speech that citizens of India have.

For sure freedom of speech is limited in India, but again the CBFC does not officially defer to political will. That's only on paper of course, as the CBFC head is a political appointee. I wouldn't be surprised if he's asked to step down after this row.

On other note, "Udta Punjab" may be the first movie to receive A/C (adult with caution) certification as recommended by Shyam Benegal Committee.

Source : http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/udt...

The article does not seem to say however that A/C may be applicable to Udta Punjab.

And A/C is a ridiculous idea: if Benegal actually proposed this I think I've lost a great deal of respect for him. "Only to be screened in red-light areas". Ridiculous.

This is correct, being able to see the actual conditions would embarrass them.

This was my initial reaction as well. They don't want the world seeing the absolutely appalling, vile condition of its infrastructure and large portion of its population.

The problem is not with politicians but with the laws. Government can ban a book if some group threatens to stir violence in response, ditto goes with movies too. The Censor board has the power to suggest cuts just because the Censor Board people think certain portion is "immoral" etc. In that sense I don't think the board is corrupt. They are exercising the power they have.

Indians don't have freedom of speech and right to property. Ironically first amendment to Indian constitution made the "right to speech" subservient to law. For example: You are free to say whatever you want as long as it is not violating some existing law.

The solution here is that the common Indians need to learn a thing or two about what liberty means and recognize that the current constitution and law they are using to govern are exactly same as the British colonial masters.

Since the liberalization in 1991, which basically increased economic freedom only a little bit has resulted into phenomenal growth. I only wish India could liberalize more and get more liberty protecting laws.

That would probably be made easier if Hindus and Muslims didn't make Govt impose Section 144 every time someone says something about Ram Setu or Shivaji or Prophet Muhammad.

Shoot dead few rioters once and people learn their lesson. We need a government that enforce the law on the books. We havent seen any riots post Guj. in Guj. have we ?

Which movie is that? I'd like to see it now.

It's called "Udta Punjab" (or "Flying Punjab", if my translation is correct)

Udta Punjab (Literal trans: Flying Punjab or somewhat less literally, High Punjab)

All better critical movies get a certification slap. The certification is a pure censorship instrument.

"Ram-leela" was pressured to change its title, to get an U/A rating eventually. A too modern interpretation of their sacred Hindu mythos. "Kaum de Heere" was too positive about the Indira Gandhi assassination. "Madras Cafe" got an U/A. About the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. "Shahid" got an A. A biopic on a human rights activist and advocate, with no violent scenes. "Dil Se" got an A. One of the classics of indian political movies.

All can be recommended.

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