Ravi Kishan recently opened up about the need for censorship in films, weighing in on the controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj. For the unversed, the film reportedly failed to secure certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for several months. The film was then released on OTT and was later removed just two days after release. The actor-politician stated that he was unfamiliar with the details of Satluj, but emphasised that filmmakers must remain conscious of how stories can affect communities and younger audiences.
Ravi Kishan on censorship
Speaking to The Indian Express on July 24, Ravi was asked about his thoughts on the film’s certification troubles. Ravi did not get into the specifics of the Satluj dispute, saying, “I have zero knowledge about it. I just know that the film came and was removed. To be honest, I don’t know the details.”
He indicated that the issue surrounding the film may have involved a matter of “sensitivity.” He then went on to speak about the responsibility of artistes and makers. The actor and politician said that entertainment should not come at the cost of misrepresenting history or hurting a community.
“We must be answerable to society because what we make affects the youth. We must be responsible while writing a script and making a movie,” Ravi said. He went on to cite the examples of Dhurandhar, Maa Behen and Maamla Legal Hai, saying these projects were able to reach audiences successfully without losing sight of those concerns.
“We must be answerable to society because what we make affects the youth. We must be responsible while writing a script and making a movie,” he said, adding how in the past “books were burnt, people were taught wrong history,” reinstating that films must be very careful about representing historical events correctly.
Ravi Kishan of his films were censored
When asked about how he would react if the CBFC scrutinised one of his work or ordered several changes, Ravi says he would seek an explanation. “I will ask, ‘Why?’ I will ask, ‘What mistake did I make?’” he said.
He added that censorship troubles are not new and have existed in India for a long time. “It happened during Sholay too. It has happened with thousands of films. It happened during the Congress regime too. Kishore Kumar was banned on radio. Itihaas mein bahut tandav macha hai (History is full of such examples). But now if anything happens, I will ask, ‘What is the problem?’ I will ask if I am hurting a community, misrepresenting history, telling a false story, and then I will edit it on my own. Because a lot of money is invested in films,” he shared, adding how there have been instances where films have received 50-100 cuts as well.
