# Producers of Sahiya Prepare for Court Battle After Certification Halt as Kapil Sibal Urges Honouring the Film Instead

> Senior advocate Kapil Sibal has questioned the revising committee's decision to withhold certification for the film Sahiya, as filmmakers prepare to take the matter to court.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Entertainment · **Published:** 2026-09-19 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/entertainment/philma-sahiya-para-sensara-ki-kainchi-ke-khilapha-adalata-jane-ki-taiyari-kapil-sibal-bole-ise-pramanapatra-rokakara-nahin-balki-s-34956 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Sahiya, Kapil Sibal, CBFC, Sanjay Sharma, Film Controversy, Freedom of Expression

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.

## What this means for you
The certification stall and impending court battle over Sahiya directly affect both movie audiences and independent filmmakers.

- **For Cinema Audiences:** The release of the film has been pushed into uncertainty due to ongoing regulatory and legal disputes. Viewers will not be able to watch the production in theatres until judicial or regulatory clearance is granted.
- **For Independent Filmmakers:** Leaving a representation unanswered for 22 days against a 5 day timeline increases severe financial liabilities. Delays in certification derail planned marketing campaigns and release windows for producers.
- **For Realistic Storytelling:** Directors attempting stories around sensitive regional issues face regulatory scrutiny and regional prejudices. This poses a deterrent for creative professionals tackling complex socio-political themes.
- **As a Legal Precedent:** A judicial review may enforce strict accountability on statutory timelines mandated for certification bodies. The outcome could provide clearer procedural protections for future film projects facing administrative silence.

## Why this happened
The controversy erupted when the revising committee of the film certification board refused clearance to Sahiya on August 27, 2026. The board cited links to Naxalism to hold back certification and subsequently failed to adhere to statutory turnaround timelines.

- **Alleged Depiction of Naxalism:** Producer Sanjay Sharma stated that the certification authorities created hurdles by associating the narrative with Naxalism. Based on these reservations, the revising committee officially withheld the certificate on August 27, 2026.
- **Procedural Lapse and Regulatory Inaction:** The film's team submitted their final representation on August 23, which under established norms required a resolution within five days. Approximately 22 days passed by September 14 without any official communication regarding a decision or review.
- **Location Bias and Sensitive Titles:** A senior official reportedly told the producer that a filming location in Uttar Pradesh would have secured clearance. Additionally, Kapil Sibal questioned whether the production's association with the title 4 PM triggered political hesitation from the authorities.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What was Kapil Sibal's reaction to the film Sahiya?
Kapil Sibal stated that the film contains nothing objectionable and deserves recognition rather than having its certificate withheld.

### 2. What decision did the certification board take regarding Sahiya?
The revising committee of the Central Board of Film Certification refused to grant a screening certificate to Sahiya on August 27, 2026.

### 3. Which procedural guideline was violated according to the producers?
The representation submitted on August 23 required a decision within 5 days, but about 22 days had passed by September 14 without any response.

### 4. What did producer Sanjay Sharma reveal about the board's objections?
Sanjay Sharma stated that the board linked the plot to Naxalism, and an official commented that filming in Uttar Pradesh would have secured clearance.

### 5. What step are the filmmakers taking to release the film?
The filmmakers are preparing to challenge the board's decision in court and pursue a legal battle to clear the film's release.

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