In times when censorship poses a big challenge for films, veteran actor Annu Kapoor weighs in on why the issue has been on the rise and who is responsible. As he gears up for the release of his film, Uttar da Puttar, Annu, along with the producer-writer of the film, Sandip Kapoor, got candid with mid-day about the film and the ongoing practices and challenges in the industry. The duo shared their take on the censor board and why it is necessary.
Annu Kapoor on freedom of expression
Talking about why the Censor Board is important, Annu Kapoor says, “The reason why we have hearing a lot of ‘censor, censor’ is because the media has become very powerful. Even the kids are aware of what’s happening and not, and thus there should be no chaos in society. Censor Board exists so that law and order should not be a problem in the country. Buses should not be burnt, bridges should not be burnt, and people should not be killed.”
“Censor Board is there to control, and it is very important. The country should not be burnt, and that is more important than your movie,” he adds.
When asked about how creative freedom or the freedom of expression often enters the discussion when talking about censorship, the veteran actor says, “Why have you taken the responsibility to burn the country under the name of creative liberty? Under the pretext of freedom of expression, why do you want to only abuse? Think of the country’s development also. Think about good things.”
He further urges makers to give solutions to the problems. “Those who talk about freedom of expression, you have every right to oppose. You have every right to say that this is the problem of the country. Along with that, tell me how to solve the problems of the country.”
“Why do you talk about breaking the country? That is why a group of society emerges and says that you have freedom of expression, but we call you a traitor. What will you say now?”
Makers bank on negative publicity: Sandip Kapoor
Writer and producer Sandip adds how makers usually use negative publicity, knowing the film could face censor-related hurdles and bank on it. He says, “You know that your movie will be stopped and the censor will not pass. You sign it and say that, ‘I am an artist, what do I know?’ You know everything. Your movie will not be released. You are such a big artist. You read the script, sign it and say, ‘Our movie has been stopped.’ That is also publicity.”
He goes on to claim, “Everyone does it.” Annu Kapoor adds, “You know very well that the subject that you are dealing with can be a problem; and banking on that problem, you want your movie to be a hit. Some movies become a hit in that way, but there are some movies which are noticed by the government and the censor board, and they stop it. Then why do you cry?”
Sandip adds, “There are many people in the critics also who speak negatively about films; they give negative reviews. Makers know that if they speak negatively, they will get views.”