Censor Board Challenges Bengali Film 'Kalponik' Over Content

Kolkata, July 29 (PTI) — The Bengali film "Kalponik" (Imaginary), showcased at the previous year's Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), is facing challenges from the Censor Board due to its storyline and select scenes. These elements, which involve the discovery of an ancient temple beneath a place of worship, have become a point of contention, leaving its director, Arka Mukhopadhyay, increasingly frustrated.

The Censor Board has recommended several cuts, suggesting that some scenes might offend particular sensibilities. However, Mukhopadhyay firmly believes that audiences are mature enough to handle such content. He explains that "Kalponik" is a fictional narrative about uncovering an ancient temple and explores the ties between some media factions and political entities.

"We aimed to commercially release the film on July 11 and submitted it to the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) office in June. Unfortunately, the Board withheld approval, citing objections to a few scenes and suggesting it be forwarded to the CBFC Revising Committee," Mukhopadhyay said.

The 15-member CBFC Revising Committee in Mumbai expressed their concerns after viewing the film on June 22. They verbally noted issues with certain scenes that they believe might not sit well with some viewers, potentially offending their sensibilities.

"We find their concerns unfounded. We believe the country's audience is discerning and capable of understanding a film's message, along with the subtleties of cinema and its language," Mukhopadhyay asserted.

A regional CBFC official stated that the Board provided specific recommendations for the movie. The official also mentioned that according to protocol, the timeline from a June censor certificate application to a July release is impractical, even if no objections arise.

"Kalponik" was included in the Official Selection section of the Bengali Panorama at KIFF 2024.