Kollywood’s larger than life heroes can now breath more easily as they can light up on screen and blow out smoke stylishly!
They need not fear the censors or Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramdoss, as the Delhi High Court on Friday (January 23) set aside the ban imposed by the government on depiction of smoking on screen. Noted Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt had filed a petition challenging the government notification.
The Delhi Court has said in their judgment that it is a violation of fundamental rights and artistic freedom. Quashing the ban imposed by the Health Ministry, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul in his ruling said: “A film must reflect the realities of life. It may be undesirable but it exists. It is not banned by any law. Directors of films should not have multifarious authorities breathing down their necks when indulging in creative acts.”
The Delhi High Court judgment has come as a big boost to Kollywood superstar’s who light up on screen to show their machoism. Remember Rajinikanth made it look very stylish on screen when he tossed a cigarette in the air and caught it with his lips in his early films of the 80’s and 90’s.
Recently Pongal films like Padikkathavan , Villu and the soon to be released Siva Manasula Sakthi were given UA certificates, as there were smoking scenes in the film.
The regional censor chief Babu Ramasami had said at that time : “Films which show people lighting up are under the scanner as there is a ban on smoking in public places which has come into force. Added to that as per the cinematographer’s Act of 1952 scenes glorifying smoking or consumption of alcohol is not allowed.”
The High Court judgment is a welcome relief for our superstar’s. It means Rajinikanth can spit out his on screen chewing gum and take a puff in Endhiran!
No comments:
Post a Comment