New Delhi: Fresh trouble brews for The Kerala Story director Sudipto Sen. His bold new film Charak, diving into dark occult rituals like human sacrifice and cannibalism in Hindu cults, has hit a wall.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) denied it clearance, leaving Sen puzzled and frustrated. Teaser out, buzz building—will cuts save it, or is the truth too uncomfortable?
CBFC blocks Charak
Filmmaker Sudipto Sen faces another clash with India’s censor board after his hit The Kerala Story. His production Charak, directed by Shieladitya Moulik, got denied certification by the CBFC. Sen shared this in a News18 interview, saying he has no clear idea why.
The film shows real occult practices in some Hindu groups, including human sacrifice and ritual cannibalism. Sen calls it a “matter-of-fact documentation,” not made-up stories. The CBFC asked for cuts on cannibalism scenes, but the full reason remains unclear.
Sen’s strong reaction
Sen is open to some cuts to save the film. “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,” he told News18.
He worries the film itself is at risk now. “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,” Sen added.
Sen stresses it’s documented facts, not fiction. “We have presented documented material, not fiction. However, truth is always uncomfortable,” he said. The CBFC has not replied to his claims yet.
Film’s real message
Charak aims to expose illegal superstitious acts done in faith’s name, says Sen. “If something illegal is happening in the name of faith, should the cinema look away? My work is to bring facts before society,” he explained to News18.
It’s not for ideological fights, but to spotlight issues. Sen noted early CBFC response was not encouraging, despite good feedback after the teaser’s release this week. “Even though I do not know the reasons for such resistance, ideological or otherwise… after the release of the teaser, I got a huge response from my well-wishers,” he said.