The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) disputed claims that the “72 Hoorain” trailer had been rejected on Thursday, claiming that the situation is “under due process”. Discussions about censorship and artistic freedom were spurred by reports that the movie’s trailer had allegedly been denied a censor certificate. The co-producer of an earlier movie, Ashoke Pandit, alleged that the censor board failed to certify the film’s trailer, which is scheduled to be published on July 7.
In response to the same, the CBFC has averred, “Misleading reports are being circulated in certain sections of media that a film and its trailer titled ‘Bahattar Hoorain (72 Hoorain)’ has been refused certification by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Contrary to the reports, CBFC states that the film ‘Bahattar Hoorain (72 Hoorain)’ was granted ‘A’ certification and the certificate was issued on 4-10-2019.”
The Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan-directed film, which stars Pavan Malhotra and Aamir Bashir in the key roles, examines the effects of violent extremism. In 2021, the director received the National Film Award for best direction for the movie.
The Cinematograph Act of 1952’s Section 5B(2) Guidelines were followed when the makers of the movie’s trailer submitted an application for a certificate on June 19.
“A show cause notice communicating the modifications was issued to the applicant/filmmaker on 27-6-2023 and the same is pending for the applicant’s response/compliance. Thus, any misleading reports may not be entertained or circulated hereinafter when the matter is under due process,” the note read.
At the 2019 International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, “72 Hoorain” had its world premiere in the Indian Panorama category. There, it also won the ICFT-UNESCO GANDHI MEDAL Special Mention.
Popular religious and political figures in Kashmir earlier this month condemned “72 Hoorain” for its derogatory depiction of Muslims, claiming it “hurts the sentiments” of the community. “72 Hoorain” was authored by Anil Pandey and Junaid Wasi and is bankrolled by Saarthie Entertainment and Aliens Pictures.