Filmmaker Sudipto Sen has encountered a new challenge with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as his latest production, Charak, was denied certification. Sen, who previously faced issues with the board over The Kerala Story, said that the CBFC has refused to approve Charak for release. The decision has left the director searching for answers, as he claims to have received no explanation from the board regarding the basis for the refusal.
While talking to News18, Sen expressed his frustration and said, “I genuinely do not have a clear idea why the clearance was denied. I am willing to even opt for certain cuts and sacrifice some visuals for the film’s sake. But now the bigger question is lurking on my film itself. At this juncture, I can only be hopeful. In our last meeting, I was told the film would be evaluated sympathetically. We have presented documented material, not fiction. However, truth is always uncomfortable.”
He further stated that the CBFC has suggested several cuts, particularly in scenes showing cannibalism. However, he added that the exact reasons for the denial are still unclear.
The director-producer asserted that the film is not intended to provoke any ideological debate, but instead aims to expose unlawful and superstitious practices.
“If something illegal is happening in the name of faith, should the cinema look away? My work is to bring facts before society. Even though I do not know the reasons for such resistance, ideological or otherwise, the first and basic response to the film did not seem encouraging to me. However, after the release of the teaser, I got a huge response from my well-wishers,” Sudipto added.
The censor board has not responded to these charges from the filmmaker yet.
The official synopsis presents the film as a “grounded social drama centered on an ancient ritual in which faith is demonstrated through physical endurance. It traces the journeys of individuals who participate in the practice, each motivated by belief, hope, or a search for meaning.”
The ensemble cast includes Anjali Patil, Sahidur Rahaman, Subrat Dutta, Shashi Bhushan, Nalneesh Neel, Shankhadeep and Shounak Shyamal. Their characters are positioned within a tightly-knit community navigating tradition, doubt and pressure from collective expectations.
As of now, the film is slated to release in theatres on March 6.
