Malayalam movie S Durga and Marathi film Nude came into news after their unceremonious exit from the list of the movies to be screened at IFFI. Now, the Lok Sabha has been informed that the films were dropped from screening because they did not fulfil the criteria of being certified by the censor board or having exemption certificate from the government.
The ministry had overruled the recommendation of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) jury and pulled out the two films from screening at the festival. The festival was held between November 20-28 in Goa.
In a written reply, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said some members of the India Panorama feature film jury showed concern over the exclusion of the movies from the festival.
However, he said, mere selection of a film by the jury is not sufficient for ensuring its exhibition in the festival.
"The film must either be certified by the Central Board of Certification for public exhibition or an exemption from certification from the government is required. Both these films did not meet the requirement," the minister said.
To another query, Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Zubin Irani said the ministry and censor board have received some representations from social organisations and the general public regarding "misrepresentation" of historical facts in the film 'Padmavati' and demanded not to issue the film certificate for its release.
"Primarily the apprehensions raised are with regard to distortion of historical facts and disrespectful representation of Rani Padmavati in the said film," she said.
She said the home department of the Uttar Pradesh government had intimated the ministry about probable law and order situation that could arise if the film was released.
References from the Uttar Pradesh governor, the Rajasthan government and some of the members of the Parliament have also been received, she said.
Irani said the application for certification of the film 'Padmavati' in its 3D version was submitted to CBFC on November 28.
The film is under the process of certification in accordance with rules and guidelines, she said.
(With PTI Inputs)
