Kolkata protests pulling out of Bengali “political satire” which allegedly “criticised” the Bengal government

Bhobishyoter Bhoot, a “political satire” by filmmaker Anik Datta, was suddenly pulled out of cinema halls and multiplexes all over West Bengal on Saturday, after it opened to nearly packed houses on Friday. There are allegations that police had done this since it had the “potential” to lead to “law and order” problems. However, official reasons were not available on record yet.

Photograph by Titas Dutta

 

On Sunday, theatre and film artistes and even common people joined a protest meet in the city, demanding that the film is brought back for screening again. There was anger and disappointment among those who joined to show their support and solidarity.

Photograph by: Riddhi Rit

 

Datta has said that one of the producers of the film had received a letter from the police before the film’s release that the film needed their clearance because certain portions in the film may lead to law and order problems.

Photograph by Titas Dutta

 

Those involved with the film say that it has received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and after that it is for the audience to decide whether they like it or reject it. The film was suddenly taken off screen on Saturday even as people had booked their tickets and had reached cinema halls.

[Cover photograph by Riddhi Rit]

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