The Supreme Court had issued a notice to the Banerjee government and directed it to ensure that the film Bhobishyoter Bhoot is screened without unlawful obstruction — when the makers of the movie approached the apex court
New Delhi: In a big setback to the Bengal government of Mamata Banerjee, the Supreme Court has fined it Rs 20 lakh for an unofficial ban on the movie. Though there was no formal prohibition to showcase the movie, most theatres in Kolkata pulled the movie down within a day of release allegedly under pressure of the state machinery.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had issued a notice to the Banerjee government and directed it to ensure that the film Bhobishyoter Bhoot is screened without unlawful obstruction — when the makers of the movie approached the apex court.
Also read: Mamata Banerjee govt spooked as Supreme Court gives thumbs up to Bhobishyoter Bhoot
In fact, while pronouncing this verdict, the bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta said that no one could obstruct the exhibition or viewing of the film.
Also read: Also read: Mamata Banerjee’s tyranny continues in Bengal: Satirical film Bhobishyoter Bhoot stopped from playing in theatres
Anik Dutta’s film Bhobishyoter Bhoot, which is said to be a strong socio-political satire, was pulled down from the theatres as it had a controversial plot. Be it the current situation in the state, the multi-crore scams, political hooliganism, frequent crimes again women or manipulating the local media, everything was portrayed in the two-hour satirical movie.
And the TMC led Bengal government saw it as a threat faced with already growing dissatisfaction with it.
The plot is said to be fiction but inspired by real life where all haunted houses were turned into commercial locations after which the ghosts try to exact revenge.
Earlier speaking to MyNation, director Dutta said, “The film was released in as many as 44 theatres across Kolkata and was running successfully. It received a very good response on the first day. However, since the next morning, it has been removed citing no valid reasons. When we came to know about the fact, the crew members went to various multiplexes and halls and enquired about the issue. None of them came out with a proper explanation”.
According to Dutta, the specific targeting was due to the plot of the movie that was perceived to be anti-TMC and also because of him critiquing large cut-outs of Mamata Banerjee at the site of Kolkata film festival, last year.
But in Mamata’s desperation to keep the movie away from public glare, now she has, however unwillingly, brought it under the spotlight.
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