India’s chief film censor accused the government of interference on Friday, January 16, after quitting over the clearance of a movie starring a controversial god-man, known for his garish jewellery and outfits.
Leela Samson claimed the national government was meddling in the Central Board of Film Certification’s decisions and also accused her colleagues of “coercion and corruption”.
Samson said the handling of the outlandish film MSG: The Messenger of God starring the popular guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who faces charges in connection with a murder, had been "the last straw".
Amid fears the promotional film could spark protests and religious tension – it shows Singh performing miracles, preaching to thousands and beating up gangsters while singing and dancing – the board rejected it.
The film was then referred to an appeals tribunal, which cleared it for release on Friday, although it has now been delayed over the row.
Samson said her reason for quitting included “interference, coercion and corruption of panel members and officers of the organisation who are appointed by the [information and broadcasting] ministry”.
The junior information and broadcasting minister, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, denied any interference, saying the final call over a film lies with the Film Certificate Appellate Tribunal.
Another censor said she was quitting and warned others would follow, saying the board faced a funding shortage and was not being allowed to function properly.
India’s film censors have a long history of barring movies on various grounds, including on fears of causing religious offence, and of cutting scenes.
Singh, known as the “guru in bling” for his penchant for bejewelled costumes, angers mainstream Sikh leaders who believe that he insults and belittles their faith.
Sporadic protests broke out on Friday in northern Punjab – which has a strong Sikh population – and other states against the movie, while the guru’s followers took to social media urging free speech.
Singh appealed for calm, saying there was nothing offensive in the film, which shows the guru riding a motorcycle and being mobbed by disciples.
“Whoever is opposing the film, I request them to first watch it. There is nothing in the film to oppose,” he told reporters.
Singh faces charges in connection with the murder of a journalist in 2002 and has also been accused of sexually exploiting female followers – allegations he denies.
The 47-year-old is also under investigation for allegedly encouraging 400 followers to undergo castrations at his ashram so they could get closer to god.
Singh heads the Dera Sacha Sauda organisation in the northern state of Haryana, which describes itself as a social welfare and spiritual organisation.
The group’s website says the film “aims to spread social awareness” and shows the guru fighting alcoholism and drug addiction. A trailer on YouTube has more than two million hits.
