THRISSUR: Eminent filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has lashed out at the proposed Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2021, saying it would lead to re-censoring an already censored film. He said the very concept of censoring is anachronistic and authoritarian in a democratic society as it is a manifestation of the lack of trust between the people and the rulers. Adoor was inaugurating a webinar organised jointly by the Kerala Chalachitra Academy and MES Asmabi College, Kodungallur on Monday.
He said censorship was a system introduced by the colonial rulers who wanted to thwart any form of criticisms against them. But even 75 years after Independence, Indian rulers have not shunned this system which goes against the basic character of the Constitution.
Adoor said no government should create a situation where people will be forced to live with fear. There can be reasonable restrictions on freedom of expression to avert anarchy, but this should not lead to stifling of all forms of dissent. The interests of the ruling party or those in power should not be projected as national interest, and those opposing the rulers should not be dumped as anti-nationals, he said.
Chalachitra Academy chairman Kamal and MES president Fazal Gafoor were among those who spoke.
