Filmmaker Sanjay Sharma is currently facing a difficult bureaucratic battle in securing a censor certificate for his upcoming project 'Sahiya'. The movie weaves a passionate romance against the backdrop of the dense forests and tribal communities of Chhattisgarh, but the Central Board of Film Certification has reportedly stalled its clearance by linking the project to Naxalism.
The Core Narrative Opposes Violence
Expressing deep frustration, the producer emphasized that the film does not promote extremist ideologies in any way; rather, the entire narrative stands firmly against violence. He asserted that if the review committee fails to clear the movie, he will not hesitate to knock on the doors of the court, expressing full faith that the judiciary will examine the content fairly. In media interactions, Sharma dismissed the Naxalism accusations entirely, describing 'Sahiya' as a pure love story depicting the trials of an ordinary tribal caught in the crossfire between security forces and insurgency. He noted that a character within the story explicitly tells an extremist that violence solves nothing, as the film focuses fundamentally on human relationships.
Filming on Real Locations
Sharma elaborated that the project was shot on actual locations inside the forests and tribal settlements of Chhattisgarh to maintain cinematic authenticity. He deliberately chose genuine sites rather than artificial sets to capture rivers, waterfalls, and traditional homes accurately. However, he now feels that this commitment to realism has backfired on the production. Creators who travel to remote tribal regions to understand local lifestyles and hardships deserve encouragement and support rather than immediate suspicion from authorities.
Bizarre Remarks From Officials
Recalling an interaction with a senior board official, Sharma shared a shocking revelation about double standards in certification. He was allegedly told that if the exact same movie had been filmed in Uttar Pradesh, it would have received immediate clearance without hurdles. The producer questioned how changing the geographical filming location could alter the inherent meaning of an identical script. He voiced concern that such an administrative mindset might ultimately discourage filmmakers from shooting in tribal heartlands altogether.
Severe Delays Impacting Regional Cinema
Furthermore, Sharma criticized the prolonged timeline of the review committee process. Although his film was scheduled for screening before the committee within five days, the actual viewing took roughly twenty-one days to happen. Such administrative bottlenecks create immense hardships for regional artists and independent producers. Filmmaking involves substantial financial investment, intense creative labor from the entire cast and crew, and strict release schedules, all of which get derailed when certification hits a bureaucratic wall.
