New Delhi: The Maharashtra government has confirmed that the Marathi film Khalid’s Shivaji will be withdrawn from the Cannes Film Festival listing after the alleged “lies” and “objectionable” materials. The protesters claim that the film spreads false history and tries to “divide the minds of Hindus”.
Now, according to a Time report, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Sheller has written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), if action is urged against the film, then it is actually “wrong history”.
Shivaji of Khalid kept
The decision to put the film on hold was alleged after right -wing groups that it distorted the legacy of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Originally Slated for dramatic release on August 8, the future of the film will now be decided after CBFC review.
Maharashtra Culture Secretary called for review
Maharashtra Culture Secretary Kiran Kulkarni has formally requested CBFC to direct the CBFC to re -examine the film’s clearance certificate for broadcasting.
In a letter on August 6, the state government urged the release of the film to stop.
Sheller said that although an expert committee initially recommended the film for Cannes Screening in May this year, the recommendation was later withdrawn. “We will remove the film from the Cannes Festival selection listing and have sent an email in this regard. I have written to CBFC and took the post that if the film spreads lies and damages emotions, then action should be followed. CBFC has initiated action on the basis of complaints accusing the film’s history of wrong details.”
He said that the responsibility is with those who recommended the film for ear, and confirmed that the producer and director have now been called by CBFC.
About the film
Khalid’s Shivaji, directed by debut filmmaker Ankur Bhatia, allegedly investigated the subjects of identification and separation. It is Khalid, a young Muslim boy, who is excluded due to his religious background, and who gets strength by drawing inspiration from Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The film was one of the few Marathi films selected for screening at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
