Centre alert on Sikh riot movie

New Delhi: Fearing rise of extremism, security concerns and break down of law and order situation, the Central Board of Film Certification is likely to review certificate issued to forthcoming movie Mastermind Jinda Sukha, depicting the killing of General Arun Shridhar Vaidya, the Army Chief, during Operation Blue Star in 1984, thereby stalling its scheduled release on September 11.

CBFC sources stated that certification for the controversial film was cleared in July, however, with security concerns issued by stakeholders, the certification process is likely to be revisited by the board.

The film was scheduled to release on September 11 and is based on the life of Khalistan Commando Force members Harjinder Singh Jinda and Sukhdev Singh Sukha, who had murdered General Vaidya at Pune in 1986.

After being convicted for the murder, both were hanged in Pune in 1992. It is understood that the decision of the Censor Board is based on fresh inputs received from various ministries.

Sources stated that the inputs have pointed towards possible law and order issues arising if the film is allowed to be displayed in its present form. It is also feared that the glorification of terrorists in “Mastermind Jinda Sukha” could also fuel a further rise in extremism in Punjab which has already been, through years of strife.

As per norms, the CBFC chief has the authority to revisit or relook at any certification suo motu even if a certification for a film has already been issued by the board or one of its regional centres.

If in the due process the film is denied clearance or cleared with major cuts, the producer of the film has the right to appeal to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal which has the authority to decide on the matter.