(The Times of India
3 february 2007)
BLOCKED...
by Darshana Chaturvedi
[ 2 Feb, 2007 2038hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
First, it was Fanaa. Now, it is Parzania. Meant to be released on January 26, it has not been seen in Gujarat yet. Will the film see the light of day ever, here?
Fanaa in 2006, Parzania in 2007. Once again, a film based on the real-life story of a Parsi boy lost in the riots of 2002 has bumped into an obstacle in Gujarat.
Even as talks are on about the possibility of the film being screened on Gujarat screens, some are trying to ensure that it doesn't happen.
In other words, this is the time for contemplation. Indeed, what does our constitutionally granted freedom of expression actually mean?
Should the people in Gujarat be denied the right to watch a real story because certain sections find that unacceptable? Questions continue to assail our minds as the film awaits its fate in the state.
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt feels, "We are in the 21st century, but we don't give space for alternative thought or expression. In case of Parzania, the government in power knows that the film can unmask their own ugliness and hideous acts. That is why they are resorting to such tactics."
Having acted in Parzania, Naseeruddin Shah reasons, "The people who think the movie should not be screened obviously have something to hide. The movie doesn't hint at anything scandalous, then who are they afraid of?"
Well known Gujarati writer Kajal Oza Vaidya believes that whatever is happening is undemocratic. She says, "Every filmmaker has the right to voice his or her opinion. As the audience, we have the right to accept or reject his message. Why should we genuflect and obey groups that work to create trouble?" She also feels that it's time people took a stand against such dictatorial acts.
Tushar Gandhi, great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, is critical of such tactics. He says, "Gujarat can't run on the whims and fancy of certain sections of the society. People should fight such bullies."
Thankfully, some groups are taking positive action. Gaurang Raval, one of the members of Drishti Media, Arts and Human Rights, an NGO, says "The audience should get a chance to see the film. With our online petition we have already got over 1000 signatures supporting the cause."
But, will the voice of the petition reach the ears of powers that matter, and persuade them to change the current scenario? To know that, we must wait, hoping that their silence changes into positive acts before the end of time.
(with inputs from Jaya Drona)
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