No IFFI screening for ‘S Durga’, CBFC orders reexamination

PANAJI: The censor board has ordered a re-examination of the controversial film “S Durga”, derailing its courtordered screening at IFFI that ends today, with director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan crying foul saying the government wanted this to happen and it is a contempt of court.

A screening of the censored version of the film was held for the jury Monday evening at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here and in a letter dated today, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) wrote to the producers asking them to resubmit the movie, which was earlier given a U/A certificate.

The bone of contention seems to be the hashtag that follows the letter “S” in the revised title of the movie, which was earlier named “Sexy Durga”.

“It appears that you have prima facie, deliberately violated the Rule 33 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983 and hence invocation of Section 5E(1) (i) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 may be considered.

“In this connection, I am directed to inform you that the above film will be re-examined under the provision of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, with the date and venue being notified to you soon,” said the letter, which was addressed to Shaji Mathew, the producer of the film.

The letter stated that the board had “received complaints from the IFFI jury at Goa over the title of the film”.

According to the letter, the director had shown “S### Durga” on the title card which the board says “has different implications and are effectively undermining and attempting to defeat the very basis of the title registration and changes effected thereby”.