Konkona & Ratna’s Lipstick Under My Burkha Depicts Female Sexuality; Censors Object
Lipstick Under My Burkha is a rare, frank take on female sexuality and the CBFC has not taken kindly to the protagonists- Konkona Sen Sharma and Ratna Pathak Shah’s reel life fantasies
Konkona Sen Sharma and Ratna Pathak Shah-starrer Lipstick Under My Burkha,
received a standing ovation at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. But this film may
not be allowed to be screened for the common public.
The Central Board Of Film Certification has taken offence
to the “abusive words” and “pornography” depicted in the film. Here is their
statement: "The story is lady-oriented, their fantasy above life.
There are contentious sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography and a bit
sensitive touch about one particular section of society."
Well, that's exactly what the Censor Board said to the
makers of Lipstick Under My Burkha, Prakash Jha. He was in for a shock this
morning when he came to know that his film has been denied a certificate.
Once you dissect this statement, the intent is clear:
“Women in India aren't allowed to fantasise, but men are."
Lipstick Under My Burkha was screened for the CBFC
examining committee in January this year. The makers are now awaiting a formal
letter from the Revising Committee. Only once they get that, they will approach
the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal.
Lipstick Under My Burkha is the story of four women from
a small town, whose dreams and aspirations are governed by the men in their
lives. The film received a standing ovation from a packed theatre at MAMI and
not a single eyebrow was raised.
The film directed by Alankrita Shrivastava stars Konkona
Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak Shah, Aahana Kumra, Plabita Borthakur, Sushant Singh,
Vikrant Massey, Shashank Arora, Vaibbhav Tatwawdi and Jagat Singh Solanki.
Image Source: youtube/prakashjhaproductions
