Filmmaker Sanjay Sharma questions CBFC amidst 'Sahiya' certification delay
Mumbai, Aug 3
Sanjay Sharma, the producer and director of the film "Sahiya" has questioned the functioning of the Central Board of Film Certification amidst the delay in the film's censor process.
Sanjay pointed out that they made the application for the movie under the priority category, and hence the movie was supposed to be screened within the specified timeframe. Despite this, the screening took place almost one and a half months later.
He added that as the project was screened, it was pointed out by the board that since the film has a Naxalism backdrop, it would be sent to the review committee.
Refuting any such allegations, the filmmaker asserted that "Sahiya" is not a film based on Naxalism, but rather a family and human love story set against a forest backdrop. He further stressed that the movie does not promote or support any violent ideology.
Sanjay also alleged that although it has been more than ten days since the screening of the drama, they have not received any formal information about the film being sent to the review committee. The CBFC has also not shared any final decision with them.
The director stated that in case the board has any objections, they should make their decisions as per the rules, but should also make sure that the process is completed within a certain time frame.
Sanjay also mentioned that such unnecessary delays by the board not only leads to financial loss to producers and directors but also affect the pre-approved release schedules of the films.
Sanjay has now urged the Central Film Certification Board to make a decision about 'Sahiya" soon, so that they are able to release the movie without any unnecessary delay.
The shooting of the film 'Sahiya' took place in the Netarhat area of Jharkhand. The film stars Neeraj Kabi, Shantanu Maheshwari, and Rinku Rajguru as leads with Sona Mohapatra, Javed Ali, Richa Sharma, Krishna Beura, and Swanand Kirkire lending their voices to the tracks written by Sameer Anjaan and Swanand Kirkire.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I agree the delay is frustrating, I think the CBFC has a tough job balancing creative freedom and national security concerns. The Naxal issue is sensitive, and the board might just be doing due diligence. But yes, a 10-day silence after screening is not acceptable. At least give the filmmaker a proper timeline. 🙏
Filmmakers in India have to fight so hard just to get their art out there. The CBFC needs to modernize and realize that blindly tagging everything with a political backdrop as "sensitive" is lazy thinking. If they have concerns, they should talk to the director, not just hold the film hostage. Hope "Sahiya" gets its certification soon. 🙏
The film industry deserves more respect. With all the talk about ease of doing business, the CBFC seems to be stuck in the past. If a producer applies under the priority category, the board should honor that commitment. This kind of delay pushes small and medium-budget films to the brink financially.
The CBFC should remember that a film is a piece of art, not a political manifesto. If the movie is a family story set in a forest, why politicize it? The committee needs to trust the filmmaker's intent. Also, the financial loss is real—delays can ruin release plans and marketing campaigns. 😞
Coming from the West, it's interesting to see how much scrutiny films face in India. While some level of oversight is necessary, the delays seem excessive. If the board can't give a final decision, they should at
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.