Marathi film Nude won’t be screened at International Film Festival of India 2017. Was the reason anything beyond its name?

Nude and S Durga might have been dropped from the screening list at the International Film Festival of India or IFFI 2017 which will be held in Goa this month, but they’ve surely garnered attention. The two films, which were selected by the festival’s jury, was removed from the list by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry suddenly, leaving the jury furious and protesting. But what really irked the I&B about the two films? Was it their names or the content? Here we take a look at Marathi film Nude.

Nude has been helmed by National Award-winning director Ravi Jadhav. The Marathi film traces the life of a woman who secretly works as a nude model for artists in Mumbai. It further shows her struggles to hide the truth about her profession from her family and son.

The film stars Kalyanee Mulay, Chhaya Kadam and Madan Deodhar. It was originally the jury’s unanimous choice to open the Indian Panorama section at the IFFI this year with Nude. Its trailer also features veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah explaining how a work of art goes beyond the body.

#ZEE has always stood for women empowerment & has applauded their priceless contribution. @ZEEStudios_’ film ‘Nude’ is our latest effort in this direction. For all those who’re wondering what is it all about. Here’s a preview.. As Shakespeare said, “What’s in a name?” pic.twitter.com/3UuYjVwhrt

— Punit Goenka (@punitgoenka) November 14, 2017

Watch | Nude (Chitraa) Marathi movie teaser

Ravi Jadhav, known for films like Natrang, Timepass and Banjo, reportedly picked the story from incidents in his own life. Ravi has now written a letter to the ministry seeking clarity about why his film has been rejected. “Give me some reason at least. It was selected as the opening film. It was a big honour. I am really disappointed and shocked to hear that it has been dropped. Nobody informed me about the decision,” he said.

As per reports, the decision to drop Nude and S Durga was taken to avoid any objection from the authorities regarding their titles. Instead, it was suggested that two other films be added to the list as replacements.