Producer blames film board for biased attitude

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, April 5

Producer of an upcoming Punjabi film depicting a Sikh historical incident, ‘Saka – The Martyrs of Nankana Sahib’, today blamed the Central Board of Film Certification in India (CBFC) for a biased attitude while dealing with project.

He said the film has been given ‘A’ certificate in spite the fact that there was no such scene that the film could make it an adult film.

While addressing the media persons here today, producer Sukhbir Sandhar said, “The CBFC gave ‘A’ certificate because of certain violent scenes in the film. Meanwhile, I have approached the Punjab and Haryana High on the same. We have quoted the examples of certain Bollywood films that had more violent scenes than our film. The film is all set to be released on April 8.”

“Film with ‘A’ certificate will deliver a wrong message among the audience as they might assume that the film has some nude scenes. The film depicts a Sikh historical incident and has been made for the family viewing,” said Sukhbir. He said they didn’t even hear the case in a tribunal of the CBFC.

Speaking on occasion, actor Mukul Dev said there should be a different film certification board in the Punjab as the people sitting in Mumbai don’t know much about the Punjabi culture. The producers in Punjab must constitute an association to raise the issue like this.

He said, “When you become a part of something historical like this, you have a big responsibility on your shoulders. I believe the makers of this film have truly performed their duty and fulfilled the responsibility. Now, it’s the audiences’ turn to do their part.”