CBFC member reacts to The Kerala Story ban in West Bengal: 'You can't decide fate of the film'

CBFC member Vani Tripathi in a recent interview said that the West Bengal government can't decide a ban on The Kerala Story, and it is up to the people to decide and assess a movie.

Hyderabad: Bollywood actor and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) member Vani Tripathi responded to the West Bengal government after the state decided to ban The Kerala Story. In a recent interview, Vani stated that it is up to the audience to decide and assess a movie. She also stated that the action was 'undemocratic'.

In an effort to prevent any incident of hatred and violence, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently announced an immediate ban on the screening of the movie in the state. Helmed by Sudipto Sen, The Kerala Story depicts the story of how the terror group ISIS recruited women from Kerala and compelled them to convert to Islam.

Vani, while speaking to the media said, "You are taking away the democratic right of the audience, which will determine the fate of the film. Neither can you nor I can decide on the film, even a producer cannot decide (the fate of the film). The audience will choose whether the film speaks to them and whether it creates a bridge between them and what filmmakers are saying."

"Every movie doesn't have to be a tearjerker, there are movies that are dark," she continued. "But again, at the end of the day, we can only certify a movie and that is the only plethora of democratic certification in this country. If it is likewise suffering, then bhagwaan hi malik hai (only God can save it).

Recently, the Producers Guild of India condemned the ban on The Kerala Story. Multiplexes across Tamil Nadu also cancelled the movie's screenings on Sunday, mentioning law and order issues and poor response from the public. The movie, which was released on May 5, has sparked a political controversy. Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah's Sunshine Pictures, the movie features Adah Sharma in the lead role.