MSG fails to get Censor Board clearance for fear of fanning communal tension

Sources said the Censor Board raised objections on the content of the movie and the manner in which Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh projected himself as a ‘Godman’. The movie had been referred to the Board’s revising committee, which refused to clear it, saying that it is “too controversial” and “may hurt sentiments”. The film has now been referred to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal in New Delhi.

The Dera chief said he was not averse to removing some scenes if the censor board objected to them. “If the board finds any portion of the film objectionable, I will happily get them removed,” the Dera chief said at a press conference in Jaipur. He added: “I have not showed myself as God but as a human. I have not criticised any religion in the film”.

A Censor Board member told The Indian Express that the movie’s producers and promoters had announced the release date without the Board’s clearance. “There is no bar on announcing the release date but public screening cannot take place unless Censor Board approves a movie,” he added. Soon after the MSG’s trailers hit the print and electronic media, various radical groups in Punjab and Haryana had demanded a ban on the movie, saying it might “hurt religious sentiments”.

The movie, which is based on the theme of eradicating drug addiction, alcoholism, prostitution and other social evils, was scheduled to be released simultaneously in Hindi, English, Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu. MSG was shot over 67 days at different locations across the country.
(With PTI inputs)

Fearing protests, MHA could stall release
New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is planning to approach the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to stop the screening of MSG, featuring Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, which is slated to release on January 16. The Ministry is learnt to have specific inputs that various Sikh groups are planning protests against the “glorification” of the Dera chief, who has criminal cases against him.

Sources said the film may not be allowed to be screened in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Chandigarh at all if the MHA continues to receive adverse inputs. However, a final decision will be taken at the highest level of the government as the Dera Sacha Sauda chief is said to have supported BJP in the recent Haryana assembly elections.

Meanwhile, fearing communal flare-up during the movie’s screening, the Centre has asked all states to take steps to prevent any untoward incident. An advisory issued by the MHA to the states said: “Various Sikh organisations and individuals are opposing the movie on the ground that its release would disturb the communal harmony and law and order. They also opine that glorification of DSS chief, facing serious criminal cases, should not be allowed”. Also, the Punjab government has written to MHA, seeking security during the screening of the movie, which is slated to release on January 16. Though the movie is yet to be cleared by the Censor Board, its makers have already announced its release. Notably, Punjab’s ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, a BJP ally, is known to be opposed to the Dera chief.      ENS