CBFC following processes, claims chairman Prasoon Joshi, as Padmavati cloud hangs over IFFI, says Mayabhushan
The 48th International Film Festival of India got underway in the presence of heavyweights in the coastal state of Goa, with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan making a case for cinema as a carrier of love, even as the festival’s inaugural event was partially singed by the ongoing controversy surrounding Sanjay leela Bhansali’s Padmavati.
The nine-day festival, in course of which 195 films from over 82 countries will be screened, was inaugurated in the presence of Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Khan himself, actress Sridevi and others at a gala evening at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherji indoor stadium near Panaji.
Speaking during the inaugural event, Khan said that cinema blended perfectly with India’s tradition of story-telling and that movies reflected a collective message of love. “I truly believe that films are made with the collaboration of hundreds of people coming together, working relentlessly for an idea they believe in and they love and they want to share it with the world... This idea becomes the film which we all watch and sometimes feel very happy watching it. Sometimes we dance along with the film,” he said.
“At other times, we get angry, disturbed or agitated. That exactly is the magic of story-telling, a magic which has the power to touch all our senses and in doing so, actually binding us together. The essence of story-telling is incomplete if there is no listener. I think over the years, I have learnt a small thing. Films are a symbol of love,” he said.
Khan also said that no matter what your language is, no matter what country your story comes from, and no matter what your ideology is, story-telling and listening should be a familial experience which binds us together.
“It makes relationships stronger, even in the face of dissent and discussion as it usually happens in a family. Instead of tearing us apart. And with that in mind, the IFFI’s slogan of this year hopefully will make that come true. ‘Connecting the world through stories’ and if I may extend it and say connecting each and everyone through stories and films here in Goa tonight and in all times to come,” he said.
Khan’s comments come at a time when the controversy surrounding Padmavati continues to rage, with several groups demanding its ban, allegedly because it tarnishes Rajput women.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration, Padmavati co-star Shahid Kapoor said that it would be unfortunate precedent if the film is banned. “It will be a precedent which I am not proud of if the film finds it difficult to release. I believe that the film will release... I believe in the process of certification and I am very confident that eventually Padmavati will come out and it will come out in full force. I don’t think there is anything in the film that is, you know, unacceptable or that is not in good taste,” he said, adding that the threats to Bhansali and actress Deepika Padukone were in poor taste.
Central Board of Film Certification chairman Prasoon Joshi also spoke to reporters saying there was need for dialogue and not argumentation and that due processes would be followed while tackling the issue. “We are fully trying to fully follow the processes...Instead of arguments, there is need for discussion,” Joshi said on the sidelines of the event.
The festival opened with noted Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi’s new film Beyond The Clouds. In all 10 world premieres, 10 Asian and international premieres and more than 64 films from India are premiering at the festival this time, while the focus country is Canada.
Top masters of their craft, which include noted filmmakers like Egoyam, Shekhar Kapur, Nitesh Tiwari and Farah Khan, will be conducting masterclasses for film buffs and students of cinema. Oscar awardee sound designer Craig Mann will also be conducting a master class at IFFI.
The run-up to the festival was marred by the controversial dropping of two films, Nude and S Durga from the screening schedule in the Indian Panorama. While the festival organisers have claimed no ulterior motive behind the decision to drop the two films, the head of the Indian Panorama jury, Sujoy Ghosh, as well as several other jury members have quit in protest. Noted actor Shabana Azmi has also asked Bollywood film personalities to boycott IFFI this year.
Salman to close fest
The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will have Salman Khan as the guest at the closing ceremony on November 28. The star will be joined by a special guest, child artist Matin Rey Tangu, who made his debut in Kabir Khan and Salman's movie Tubelight.
According to the statement, “something special” has been planned for Salman as he will take to the stage for a fun interaction, closing the prestigious film festival with a bang. Its Indian Panorama section, which has been the subject of much controversy over the exclusion of two films – S Durga and Nude — will be inaugurated by veteran actress Sridevi, who has landed with her husband Boney Kapoor and daughter Jahnvi.