S Durga (previously titled Sexy Durga) director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s film was not screened at the 48th IFFI despite his best efforts. The Malayalam film was dropped from a jury-suggested shortlist of the Indian Panorama section of the IFFI (The International Film Festival of India), Goa after which Sasidharan had moved the Kerala High Court.
In January 2018, the Kerala HC had directed the CBFC and its regional officer to take essential steps to re-examine the film in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Rules, within three weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the judgement. The film has finally been passed by the CBFC Revising Committee.
Director Sasidharan confirmed to The Quint that after viewing the film, the Revising Committee was satisfied and was of the opinion that the film is devoid of any objectionable material.
It would be cleared for screening on the condition that no title other than ‘S Durga’ would be used in the exhibition of the film or in its publicity activities/material. The version of the film, only as certified by the CBFC would pass muster.
Sasidharan said that he would be required to submit an affidavit to that effect.
“I feel optimistic that the film will now be cleared and people finally will be able to see it.”Sanal Sasidharan to The Quint
Starring Rajshri Deshpande and Kannan Nayar, the film was shot in one night without a screenplay. Despite bagging many international awards, the film was allowed screening at MAMI (Mumbai film festival) in October after the Censor Board’s demands of reducing Sexy to its initial “S”, and cutting out some “vulgar” words were met.
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