Sentinel Digital Desk
One of the more recent films on this list, Unfreedom was banned for more than one reason. The most apparent one is that it’s centered around a lesbian couple and their relationship and has a terrorism angle to it. We believe it makes for a good watch for those who appreciate art.
Angry Indian Goddesses never faced a ban from the Indian theatres, per say, but the makers were equally distraught with the infinite censors place on their film. In fact, they also took to Facebook to post a video (attached above) of a compilation of cuts from the film. The mention of the government, hints at objectification of men and the pictures of Indian Goddesses were some of the many censors on this film.
How often is it that we wonder what the meaning of life actually is? Probably often enough for someone to make a film on it, and Gandu is just that. However, the inclusion of harsh language, nudity and fellatio among other things did not sit pleasantly with the censor board and the film never released in India. It released in a couple of film festivals around the world but that was about it. However, it is available today to viewers in India and definitely makes for a good watch.
With parts of India still uncomfortable with the idea of homosexuality, it was difficult for Fire to survive in the time that it was released (1996). After receiving significant heat from the Indian press and audiences, the movie was denied approval for release by the censor board. It was a very risky move as the movie circulated homosexuality as well as religion, two extremely sensitive issues in India. The film, however, was released around the world and won multiple awards as well.
John Abraham is popular for choosing scripts that have impactful stories. Case in point: Madras cafe, Parmanu and No Smoking. Water was one such John Abraham movie as well. The story of this movie chronicles the life of a Banarasi widow, how she’s ill-treated for no fault of hers and also finds love. The film’s shooting was banned following a protest by Hindu fundamentalists. The movie is available on YouTube and is one that deserves a watch.
Films on homosexuality, sex or religion aren’t the only ones that have been banned by the CFBC. Kissa Kursi Ka faced fire for drawing parallels with the life of Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi. The film was set to be released in 1978, during the year of the emergency. It was a time when Congress also had control over the media releases and all reels for the film were confiscated. If you want to watch the film, it’s available on YouTube.
Surprisingly the only film on this list, which circulates the life of a gay couple. Loev was released back in 2015, but only on Netflix. The makers attempted for a release in theatres but only in vain. It looks at the reunion and budding romance of two old friends who are now in completely different phases of life.
In this case, the subject of this documentary did not play as big a hand in it being banned as its release date did. The story showcases the life of a Kashmiri boy who is denied the chance for international football training as his father was a servant in the Indian Military. The film is available on YouTube.
The more recent controversies surrounding Padmaavat, Jodhaa Akbar etc are proof of how any movies based on Indian history face opposition. Parzania faced similar wrath as it was based on the story of a boy, who gets lost during the Gujarat riots. However, it didn’t go well with the censor board and was banned. Later, it received a go-ahead for digital viewership and is available in India on Hotstar.
Another film that was banned from releasing in Indian cinema and received positive reviews from critics around the world. We’re talking about Anurag Kashyap’s Black Friday, which was supposed to be released in 2003. It is based on the 1995 blasts and the investigation that followed later. It never released on the big screen but is available through the OTT platforms and is a well-made film that you must watch.