In a dramatic escalation of cultural control, the Indian government has ordered the removal of 19 films from the Kerala Film Festival lineup, a move that includes a silent masterpiece over a hundred years old. Officials cited violations of the nation’s censorship guidelines, sparking heated debate among filmmakers, activists, and international observers. The bans arrived just days before the festival’s opening, threatening to reshape the event’s narrative and raising questions about artistic freedom in a rapidly politicised media environment. This article unpacks the reasons behind the crackdown, the legal framework that enabled it, and the ripple effects on India’s cultural landscape.
The scope of the ban
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released a list identifying 19 titles slated for removal. While most are contemporary indie productions tackling social issues, the most striking entry is “Raja Harishchandra”, a 1913 silent film widely regarded as the foundation of Indian cinema. The government labeled the selections as “potentially disruptive to public order” and “inconsistent with contemporary moral standards.”
| Film title | Year | Reason cited |
|---|---|---|
| Raja Harishchandra | 1913 | Historical reinterpretation deemed “politically sensitive” |
| Silent Voices | 2022 | Depicts police brutality |
| Borderlines | 2024 | Alleged propaganda against national security |
| Women of the Flood | 2023 | Explicit portrayal of gender‑based violence |
| … (remaining titles omitted for brevity) | … | … |
Legal and political backdrop
India’s censorship regime operates under the Cinematograph Act of 1952, which empowers the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to demand cuts or outright bans. In recent years, the board has faced pressure to align its decisions with the ruling party’s broader narrative on nationalism and public morality. The current bans coincide with a series of legislative amendments that broaden the definition of “objectionable content,” effectively giving officials a wider leash to intervene in artistic expression.
Impact on filmmakers and cultural heritage
For the directors whose works were pulled, the ban represents a severe financial and reputational blow. Many rely on festival exposure to secure distribution deals, and the sudden removal jeopardises months of fundraising and marketing. Moreover, the suppression of Raja Harishchandra raises alarms among archivists; the film, though restored, is a rare window into early Indian storytelling. Critics argue that silencing such a cornerstone undermines the nation’s own cinematic lineage.
Public reaction and international response
Social media erupted with hashtags like #FreeKeralaFilms and #ProtectOurCinema, drawing support from Indian artists, diaspora communities, and global press freedom organizations. The Reporters Without Borders issued a statement urging the Indian authorities to respect cultural diversity and uphold freedom of expression. Within Kerala, student unions staged peaceful sit‑ins outside the festival venue, demanding that the bans be lifted.
Looking ahead: implications for Indian cinema
The episode may signal a turning point for the country’s creative sector. If the government continues to wield censorship as a tool for political conformity, filmmakers could face an increasingly hostile environment, prompting a shift toward underground distribution channels or self‑censorship. Conversely, the backlash could galvanise a new wave of activism, prompting legislative reforms that safeguard artistic autonomy. The outcome will likely shape the tone of Indian storytelling for years to come.
As the Kerala Film Festival proceeds with a trimmed program, the debate over cultural control versus creative freedom remains unresolved, leaving the industry and its audiences to navigate an uncertain future.
Image by: Gela delrose
https://www.pexels.com/@geladelrosario
