NCSC asks for a screening of Prakash Jha’s ‘Aarakshan’!

Spicezee Bureau

Mumbai: Prakash Jha’s ‘Aarakshan’ has run into fresh trouble as the filmmaker has refused to preview the film to National Commission for Schedule Castes (NCSC). Apparently, NCSC wants to judge whether ‘Aarakshan’ is suitable for release or not. However, Prakash Jha has made it loud and clear that he won’t show the film to anyone except the Censor Board before its release. P L Punia, NCSC Chairman and Member of Parliament had issued a notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), asking the director to show the film before releasing it. Punia’s letter stressed that constitutional laws on reservation should not be misrepresented. Talking to a daily, Jha said, “The laws of the country do not require me to show my film to any board or body, apart from the Censor Board. The CB has been constituted to review films rate them according to viewing suitability, and address any other concerns.” “Once the film is submitted for censorship, it is the prerogative of the board, if it wants to involve any other body of people for advice,” Jha further added. Speaking about his film, Jha explained, “‘Aarakshan’ is a film about the ramifications of the reservation policy and the commercialisation of education as seen through the experiences of a particular group of people. It explores various sides of the issue, through various characters. My intention has been to provide a fair and balanced comment on the issue. The film is releasing on the independence day weekend, so we have enough time to go to the Censor Board for the censor certificate.”