Ram Gopal Varma's latest movie hits roadblock

Ram Gopal Varma's latest movie hits roadblock

Central Board of Film Certification's rejection to give certificate has jeopardised theatre release of the latest Telugu movie Disha Encounter

A new Telugu language film of director Ram Gopal Varma has met with the roadblock with the censor board refusing to give it the necessary clearance cervicitis before the film's release.

The examining committee of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refused the certification on the ground that the film Disha Encounter holds stark similarities with the 27 November 2019 gruesome real-life rape cum murder case of a 26-year-old veterinarian in Shamshabad, the district headquarter of Ranga Reddy district of the Telangana state.

The CBFC examination committee found many similarities in a few scenes and songs of the movie originally slated for release on 19 February. If certified, Disha Encounter could become one of the first films to hit the theatre after the central government's recent decision to allow 100 per cent occupancy in cinema halls. Following the lockdown after the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, cinema halls were closed for many months. They were later allowed 50 per cent occupation under social distancing norms, forcing filmmakers to avoid releasing movies in threatens and opting for OTT platforms.

Makers of Disha Encounter have alleged selective targeting of director Ram Gopal Varma, saying whatever is there in the movie is already in the public domain and is meant to create public awareness against such crimes. Family members of the victim, however, said that they were never approached or consulted by the filmmakers. They had approached the Telangana High Court with their complaint which in turn asked the CBFC to act.

The makers of the movie have now approached the eight-member revising committee of the CBFC after the examination committee refused to give it the release certificate. The revision committee has directed makers of the film to submit 15 copies of synopsis and songs of the movie and ensure these are the same as the ones that were shown to the examination committee before taking the final call on the controversial movie.