Vivin R., III, B.A., History, Economics and Political Science, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru
The recent happenings and the haphazard manner in which political parties dealt with the Padmaavat issue portrays the manner in which they reflect on the idea of power. The idea of political power in India stems from vote bank politics, in many cases. Such a system which thrives on sentimental values of the populist has failed to provide secular and free creative spaces. It is not surprising that the judicial system once again had to step in.
Pheba Anna Philip, IV, Electronics and communication engineering, Government Engineering College, Barton Hill, Thiruvananthapuram
I have always been awestruck by the effort, creativity and thought that goes behind each movie which showcases Indian culture. All the havoc begins when basic education about civic sense is not properly inculcated. Rationale is killed when people fail to understand how a movie could affect a whole community. Unreasonable limitations at the will of fringe groups deprive majority of the people of their right to enjoy good literature and art. It reminds me of Orwell’s 1984!
Sonam Lhamo, I, M.A. English, Miranda House, Delhi University
I don’t think the censorship board is a threat to the creativity in India as much as groups of people who don’t accept the decisions of this board or the courts’. Through the independent judiciary system, the public can raise questions regarding the decisions of censor board if they are not happy. So, how does violence come into question? The country’s law and order stands challenged with the vigilantism displayed with the release of Padmaavat . Steps should be taken to protect artists’ creative freedom.
Vishika Ranawat, I, Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management, Chandigarh
Padmaavat provided the disclaimer wherein it was said that the movie is a work of fiction. Hence, creative freedom should not be hampered because of the changes that was made to the film’s historical plot. The communal violence and threat to the actress proves the blatant misuse of freedom to speech. Many hardships were faced by the country for no real reason whatsoever. In order to question a work of creativity, it is important to have a significant basis for it.
