CBFC Doesn’t Approve ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’, Alankrita Reacts

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), doesn’t approve of filmmaker Alankrita Shrivastava’s Lipstick Under My Burkha. The film, which has been awarded the Oxfam Award for Best Film on Gender Equality and has been selected for several international film festivals, unfortunately doesn’t meet the CBFC’s standards of a film that can be watched by us Indians.

In a letter dated 25 January to the producers, the reasons given by the Board for refusing to certify the film is as follows:

CBFC’s letter to Prakash Jha Productions refusing to certify <i>Lipstick Under My Burkha. </i>

Speaking to The Quint, Alankrita, who is currently at the Glasgow Film Festival, calls the CBFC’s decision an anachronism and demands to know if women’s voices aren’t important:

I have full faith and conviction that my producer, Mr Prakash Jha and I will be able to bring Lipstick Under My Burkha to the Indian audiences. The film is an honest story about four ordinary women. The CBFC’s decision is an anachronism really. We are living in 2017, with full access to everything on the internet. Why should a film that tells a story of female desire be stifled? Don’t women have dreams? Don’t they want things? Aren’t our voices important? Don’t our stories need to be told? In a culture where men have systematically controlled the popular narrative to perpetuate a culture where women are objectified, sidelined or demeaned, why should a film that presents an alternative point of view not have the right to be shown? Why is it okay for women to be shown as mere objects of male fantasy, but not women with agency over themselves?

Filmmaker Alankrita Shrivastava says she’ll fight the CBFC’s refusal to certify her film. (Photo courtesy: Facebook)

Alankrita along with her producer Prakash Jha, are expected to take the battle over the certification of Lipstick Under My Burkha till the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) if needed. While it might be difficult to change the CBFC’s mindset, here’s hoping the film manages to win its battle with the Board just like Haraamkhor did last year.

The Quint

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