The ongoing standoff between the central film certification authorities and the creative team behind the movie Sahiya has intensified. Senior advocate and former union minister Kapil Sibal shared his reaction after viewing the film, expressing disbelief over the decision to withhold its screening certificate. He argued that the work contains nothing that warrants restricting its theatrical release, insisting that a creation of this nature deserves recognition and honour rather than state hurdles.
Preparation for Legal Recourse and Queries Over the Decision
Following his screening of the film, Sibal indicated that preparations are underway to take the grievance directly to court to secure the film's release through legal channels. He voiced perplexity as to why the screening panel turned down certification for the project. Sibal also raised the question of whether the name 4 PM associated with the production played any role in triggering these administrative obstacles.
Commenting on broader governance, he expressed deep concern over the prevailing atmosphere, describing it as troubling for democratic principles. He remarked that the administration may not fully grasp the implications of these shifting cultural dynamics, emphasizing that creative freedom requires a transparent and fair evaluation process rather than unexplained roadblocks.
Depicting Ordinary Lives and Affection Amidst Strife
Speaking on the thematic core of the film, Kapil Sibal countered claims of violence, clarifying that Sahiya does not exist to glorify or incite conflict. Instead, it narrates the lived reality of an ordinary individual trapped amidst turbulence, driven by a story of personal affection. He maintained that if the authorities found any specific segment objectionable, those exact scenes ought to have been communicated clearly and openly.
Sibal reiterated that the cinematic narrative is of high quality and that rather than blocking its exhibition, official bodies should celebrate it. According to him, realistic storytelling that captures human struggle within troubled environments should be valued rather than censored through regulatory silence.
Makers Face a 22 Day Silence Beyond the Statutory Deadline
The production side continues to challenge the procedural fairness of the certification body. According to the filmmakers, their final representation was formally submitted to the board on August 23. Standard procedure mandates that such representations be considered and decided upon within a five day window.
However, by September 14, around 22 days had elapsed without any formal communication from the board. The production unit pointed out that they remain uninformed on whether a secondary screening took place, what determination was reached regarding their final representation, or what procedural steps are intended moving forward.
Revising Committee Refused Certification on August 27
The controversy first surfaced publicly when the revising committee of the Central Board of Film Certification refused to clear Sahiya on August 27, 2026. Shortly thereafter, producer Sanjay Sharma revealed that the certification panel created hurdles by linking the cinematic narrative to Naxalism.
Producer Sanjay Sharma recounted a conversation with a senior board official regarding the project's regional backdrop. According to Sharma, the official stated that had the project been filmed in Uttar Pradesh, it would have received its clearance certificate without hindrance.
