The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has denied clearance to a Gujarati film Power of Patidar, which is based on Hardik Patel who had spearheaded a violent agitation seeking quota for the Patidar community in Gujarat.
The filmmaker Mahesh Patel told The Hindu that he would likely approach the High Court challenging the censor board's decision.
The censor board has told Mr. Patel about its decision to reject the movie on account of several ground, including the usage of real names and also using names of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and also showing real characters in the movie who were Hardik's key aides during the agitation.
"The censor board has told us orally that they are not giving clearance to the movie. No reason has been given to us (in writing) or no cut has been asked. It has summarily rejected the movie. I may challenge it in the court after getting the official letter stating reasons," Mr. Patel, also a leading Gujarati movie producer, told The Hindu from Surat.
"CBFC told us that the movie has used real names of Hardik Patel and many other leaders of the agitation, which according to them, is not allowed. The board also raised its objection about the word 'Patidar' in the title and use of 'Anamat Samiti' word in the movie," Mr. Patel added.
He claims that the government does not want any movie based on the agitation and Hardik Patel to be cleared before the Assembly polls next year. I feel that is the main factor that the government does not want anything on the agitation till the assembly polls next year."
Another objection raised by the censor board is with regard to actor portraying the character of Chief Minister Anandiben Patel in the movie
"The Board told us the get up of an actor shown as State CM resembles Anandiben Patel, which is not allowed. Further, the Board was not happy with Modi's name being mentioned once by a young girl during a debate in the movie," a seemingly upset Mr. Patel told The Hindu .
"We were also willing to make cuts if the Board found some scenes objectionable. But in this case, it finds entire film problematic," Mr. Patel, who runs KesarBhawani Film Production, said. Mr Patel has made over a dozen movies in Gujarati and other languages.
