Govt can even misuse law for its purpose: 'S Durga' director

Agencies
November 29, 2017

Panaji, Nov 29: "S Durga" director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan today lashed out at the government, saying people in power can go to any lengths to achieve their purpose.

The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) ordered a re-examination of the Malayalam film, which derailed its court-ordered screening at the International Film Festival of India that ended yesterday.

Sanal took to Facebook today to say that he was ironically happy that people got a chance to witness how people in high places defy the judiciary.

"I am not unhappy even a bit. On the other hand, I am more than happy that my film has helped a lot of people who were asking 'what is the problem if the Sangh come to power?' to understand, what is the problem actually.

"It is simply proved that, those in power now, can go to any extent to destroy something which they don't like. They can even misuse law or ignore judiciary for their purpose."

The director claimed he saw many self-proclaimed supporters of the government over the days "depressed and disappointed by the dirty game played by the Ministry" against his film.

Yesterday, the CBFC said the makers cannot exhibit the film further until the board re-examines it. It said a suitable date and time will be conveyed to the makers soon.

Immediately after the CBFC order, IFFI director Sunit Tandon wrote to Sanal, notifying him that the movie will not be showcased due to the board's intervention.

"S Durga" was dropped from the final IFFI list by the Information and Broadcasting ministry.

Sanal moved the Kerala High Court to challenge the decision and received a favourable verdict on November 21, a day after the festival began.

The ministry tried to obtain a stay order on the Kerala High Court's decision but it was denied by the court.

Sanal and film's actor Kannan Nayar held a protest outside one of the screening venues of the festival. They held placards, reading 'Save Democracy', a twist on the film's title "S Durga".

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News Network
January 9,2020

New Delhi, Jan 9: A Delhi court Thursday directed the makers of the Deepika Padukone starer feature film 'Chhapaak' to give credit to acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal’s lawyer in the movie.

Additional Civil Judge Pankaj Sharma said it was necessary that advocate Aparna Bhat's contribution is acknowledged.

"This Court is of the considered view that facts are indicative that the plea of the plaintiff for interim injunction is well-founded and it is necessary that her contribution be acknowledged by providing on the slide on the actual footage and the images, the line 'Aparna Bhat continues to fight the cases of sexual and physical violence against women' during the screening of the film.

"The said line on screen maybe with a rider that the same is with the court order," the judge said.

Advocate Bhat filed the application saying that despite representing Agarwal in courts for several years and helping in the movie-making, she was not given credit in the movie.

She said the filmmakers took her help in the entire process of writing and shooting the movie, but did not give the credit.

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News Network
January 12,2020

Mumbai, Jan 12: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday came out in support of actor Deepika Padukone, who is facing flak from the BJP and some other quarters over her visit to the JNU campus in Delhi to express solidarity with students who were recently attacked by armed assailants.

Raut, who is a Rajya Sabha member and the executive editor of Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', said the country cannot be run in a "Talibani" style.

After Padukone's visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Tuesday, many appreciated her "silent solidarity", but some others criticised her for "supporting Leftists", saying it was a promotional stunt for her latest film "Chhapaak".

Some also demanded a boycott of her film, based on the life of an acid attack survivor, played by Padukone.

A section of BJP leaders also criticised the 34-year- old actor over her JNU visit.

Talking to PTI, Raut said, "The demand for boycott of the actress and her film is wrong. The country cannot be run in a 'Talibani' style."

"Chhapaak", directed by Meghna Gulzar, hit the theatres on Friday.

Declaring a movie tax-free means the state has waived the entertainment levy imposed on it, thereby bringing down the ticket rates and encouraging more people to watch it.

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Agencies
February 5,2020

Chennai, Feb 5: Income Tax sleuths on Wednesday raided top Tamil film actor Vijay's residence here besides conducting simultaneous searches at several premises linked to a film production house, movie financier and distributors in connection with suspected tax evasion.

The searches, which began in as many as 38 locations in Tamil Nadu, were still on and unaccounted cash of about Rs 25 crore was seized from the premises of a Tamil film financier who had faced allegations of intimidation and arm-twisting to recover money, official sources told PTI.

Also, several documents indicating substantial tax evasion has been seized, sources added.

Vijay, who was away in Cuddalore district for a film shoot, was apprised by authorities about the searches and he was en route to his residence here, they said.

So far nothing has been recovered from the actor's house and the inmates were cooperating with authorities in conducting the searches, sources said.

Raids were also on in the premises of the production house that had made Vijay's hugely successful recent Tamil movie 'Bigil.'

Further details are expected after completion of searches which is likely to continue tomorrow.

The State police has been providing security for carrying out the searches.

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