Unkindest cut of all!

Films facing the ire of the Censor Board, and having their share of censor woes, have become a routine affair in Mollywood.

The latest film to have failed to meet the Censor Board's approval is Arun Kumar Aravind's 'Vedivazhipadu' directed by Shambhu Purushothaman.

The film, set against the backdrop of the Attukal Pongala in Thiruvanathapuram, depicts incidents that happen in Thiruvananthapuram in a span of 24 hours. The film stars Indrajith, Murali Gopy, Saiju Kurup, Anusree and Mythili in prominent roles.

While talk of a ban on the film is making rounds, the makers clarify that there is no ban. 

Arun says, “The film was sent for censoring the day before yesterday and after watching the film, the five member committee said that a Censor certificate would be difficult and that a reviewing committee would take the final call in the coming days. Shambhu asked for reasons for the denial of censor certificate, he asked if the scenes had anything objectionable or needed to be cut, the answer was negative. The Censor Board is concerned that the film might provoke religious sentiments! Surprisingly the film is a clean, fun-filled, family entertainer which has shaped out well."

The cast and crew have expressed their inability to comprehend the reasons behind such a move. Arun points out that he would not want any unfortunate episode to mar his first production 'Vedivazhipadu'.

Director Shambhu echoes similar sentiments saying it is no longer a democratic country. He points out, “There are absolutely no scenes or dialogues that merit a denial. In fact, we never anticipated any trouble with the certificate and were completely taken by surprise."

Snide remarks are being made that the makers are resorting to cheap publicity. Shambhu says, “If we set out to hype the problem, things could flare up and get out of hand!"

The film's lead actor Murali Gopy, ever vocal with his feelings, took to a social site to write “I have no qualms in saying that the Censor Board, with the kind of guidelines that it has set for itself, is state-sponsored creative terrorism... When a nation and its people lose the ability to laugh at themselves and criticise themselves, that is the first sign of impending brain death."

“Vedivazhipaadu is an innocently entertaining satire... the official banning of which could mean the intellectual bankruptcy of our system... Hoping that the authorities will claim back their good sense."