R. Narayana Murthy has strongly questioned the censor board’s decision to approve films like The Kashmir Files and Bastar while raising objections to Sree Vishnu’s Comrade Kalyan. Speaking at the film’s blockbuster meet on Friday, he said the film was neither anti-government nor against the police, but was simply a love story and comedy entertainer.
“I appeal to the censor board to explain why they approved The Kashmir Files. Because it is pro-government. Compared to that, Comrade Kalyan is not anti-government,” he said, questioning why the film faced difficulties in securing its censor certificate.
Narayana Murthy also spoke about the film’s Naxalite backdrop, asking what sin Naxalites had committed. He described them as sons of the soil and Indian citizens, arguing that the Naxalite movement was only the backdrop for the film. He questioned why scenes featuring characters in olive-green uniforms should automatically become a problem for the censor board.
“Fight with them if you want, but what does that have to do with Comrade Kalyan?” was the point he raised, questioning why the film had to face censor hurdles over its subject.
The veteran filmmaker also said the film might have continued to struggle for certification if Kona Venkat had not taken the initiative. He pointed out that Kona’s connections with political leaders helped him go to Delhi and secure the censor certificate, questioning what would happen to an ordinary producer without such influence.
Narayana Murthy urged the censor board to treat all filmmakers equally and not interfere with their freedom of expression. He maintained that Comrade Kalyan was not made against the government or the police, but was an attempt by filmmakers to portray what happens in society.
