'Haramkhor' row: Ashoke Pandit slams Pahlaj Nihalani's 'mindset'

Mumbai: Veteran filmmaker Ashoke Pandit on Sunday slammed Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani for yet another censorship row with Anurag Kashyap's upcoming flick 'Haramkhor', saying this reflects his attitude and mindset.

"Now, the entire incident where the certificate has been rejected to Anurag Kashyap and his partners on this film again goes to say that the entire attitude and mindset of Mr. Nihalani is of the archival time where he thinks he can chase the world and the entire country by his terms on what kind of films should be made and what not," he told ANI here.

For the uninitiated, Kashyap's 'Haramkhor' starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, deals with a romantic relationship between a teacher and a student.

According to Pandit, the CBFC has denied certifying the movie on the grounds that "it shows education department under a bad light."

On that note, the 59-year-old filmmaker brought in the comparison of the CBFC chief's 1994 film 'Andaz,' which also dealt with a student falling in love with teacher.

"I don't know how it affects the education system of the country. I would also like to remind Mr. Nihalani that his film 'Andaz' was on a similar subject where student Karisma Kapoor falls in love with teacher Anil Kapoor. Who is Mr. Nihalani to decide who will share relationship with whom?" he asked.

The board has also objection over bold scenes, vulgar and filthy dialogues spoken by the kids and their body gestures in 'Haramkhor'.

"Hence, 'refused' because of its theme itself," the CBFC explained in its rejection letter.

Pandit further said Kashyap and his team are planning to appeal to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) against the CBFC's decision.

'Haramkhor' also marks the debut of Shweta Tripathi, who plays the role of a school student while Nawaz will essay the role of a teacher.

Amid a raging row over 'Udta Punjab', Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said movie certification norms have to be liberal and "some very radical changes" will be announced over the next few days.

"I hope the industry will very soon be fortunate enough with the new guidelines which will be brought in by the government on the recommendations of Shyam Benegal Ji," Pandit added on that note.