A controversial film reportedly based on the gang-rape of a woman in 2012 inside a moving car on the streets of Park Street was finally awarded a screening certificate.
Titled Park Street, the film courted controversy when it was screened for the regional Censor Board of Film Certification that raised a number of objections.
“The film was initially screened for the censor board in February. The officials completely banned the film saying Park Street was depicted in a poor light. They did not even propose cuts,” producer of the film Debjani Roy told The Hindu .
The film also depicts the character that Park Street dons at night, Ms. Roy said.
After the film was denied certification, the film was passed on to the review committee which again denied certification.
Tribunal’s help“I sought the help of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal, which ultimately gave a green signal to the film although with minor changes. Some profanities used in the dialogues were objected to. The film was awarded a certificate on July 10,” Ms. Roy said.
The makers of the film are yet to come up with a release date.
The censor board also objected to the film’s posters for having the word ‘rape’ mentioned on it and said it would be a bad influence on children, Ms. Roy said.
Mamata courted controversyThe gang-rape case had put the Mamata Banerjee government in a tight spot, with the Chief Minister courting controversy as she questioned the character of the rape survivor and alleged that the incident was ‘staged’ to discredit her government.
When contacted, the survivor said, “I came to know of the film only a few days ago. I wasn’t taken into confidence when the film was being made. However, I support the film as such films help spread awareness of the fact that a support system exists which helps you move forward.”
The survivor, who had earlier expressed her objection to her being referred to as the ‘Park Street rape victim’, said, “I objected to the fact that I was being associated with a street’s name. I have a name and should be referred to by my name. In the case of this film, I was told that it depicted the area’s night life and not just the incident which is why I did not have an objection to the film’s name.”
Guidelines infringedAn official of the Central Board of Film Certification said the film was refused certification as it had infringed on a number of guidelines and pointed out that even the film tribunal had given its nod after proposing cuts.
