A fraction of actors and filmmakers, comprising Anurag Kashyap, Kamal Haasan, Nandita Das, Shabana Azmi, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar and Dibakar Banerjee, has penned an open letter to the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, against the government’s formulated amendments to the 1952 Cinematograph Act. They have asserted that the move can “endanger the independence of expression and democratic conflict.”
As per the proposed amendments, the Centre will be empowered with ‘revisionary powers’ with which it can order the re-examination of an already certified movie.
Kamal Haasan protested against this act on Twitter, he even said he couldn’t keep watching and listening “like the three Gandhiji monkeys”.
Cinema, media and the literati cannot afford to be the three iconic monkeys of India. Seeing, hearing and speaking of impending evil is the only medication against attempts to injure and debilitate democracy. (1/2)
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 28, 2021
Please act, voice your concern for freedom and liberty. @MIB_India#cinematographact2021 #raiseyourvoice (2/2)
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 28, 2021
As of now, more than 1000 filmmakers, artists, writers, students, academicians have signed in support of the e-petition commenced in revolt against this bill, which makes the central government powerful by bypassing the decisions of the censor board. While doing so, questions have been raised on the intention of the government.
In the petition, the new provisions of the Act have been described as dangerous for the film industry. According to it, such a provision would adversely affect the independence of the Censor Board and the Supreme Court and would confer supreme power on the central government over the performance of films in the country. This will jeopardize the freedom of expression and democratic protest.
It has been further written in this plea that after the modification of the Act, all the filmmakers will be helpless in the hands of the government, their independence to make films will be in danger
