Granting an interim injunction prohibiting the release of the film Madisaar Maami , the Madras High Court has observed that it is unable to understand how the censor board can violate guidelines by giving certificates for exhibition of films that depict “brutal and vulgar scenes”.
“It only raises doubts about the proper functioning of the censor board,” observed Justice N. Kirubakaran here, in his interim order, on a petition by the Tamizh Nadu Brahmin Association, represented by its Chennai district president, K.R. Srinivasan, Alwarpet. However, the Judge said it was left to Shilpa Motion Works, Mumbai, to change the title and release the movie. He ordered notice returnable by June 12.
The association had sought to quash the certification for the film and a consequent direction to prevent its exhibition in any theatre. Mr. Justice Kirubakaran said scenes depicted the hero dressed up in the traditional Brahmin style ( Panchakatcham ) consuming liquor and dancing. He said no community should be a subject of mockery. Originally, the film was titled ‘ Madisaar Maami, Madana Maama’, but the phrase ‘Madana Maama’ was later deleted. However, the original title was still available in internet references. Though the contents of the entire movie were not known, it appeared that the title itself was degrading and denigrating, he added.
The Judge said with passage of time social values became a casualty in films. The Central Board of Film Certification should play a responsible role, particularly when the country’s population was made up of multi-lingual and multi-religious groups. He suggested to the authorities to amend the Cinematograph Act and Rules to tighten the regulations, considering the effect of modern films on society. Responsible persons with commitment and vision should be appointed as board members, with their political background taken into consideration, Mr. Justice Kirubakaran said, adding that Information and Broadcasting Ministry should submit its response to the suggestion.
