Censorship Issue: S. Rangarajan Etc vs P. Jagjivan Ram, 1989 SCR (2) 204, 1989 SCC (2) 574

If we talk about censorship in Indian cinema's context, the first and most recent name appears, Bhansali-directed Padmavat, which was the focus of conflict in 2017 and at the outset of 2018. But very few of us are aware of another movie that drew the ire of politics in 1989. 

Ore Oru Gramathile, a Tamil movie, produced by Mr. S. Rangarajan, criticized the caste-based reservation policy in Tamil Nadu’s educational institutions. The producer had to fight against members of the Dr. Ambedkar People’s Movement and the Republican Party of India for securing release of the movie. The Tamil Nadu government seemed helpless and stopped the film’s release, on the apprehension of a “very serious” law and order problems across the state. 

Judgment of the Court.

The matter reached the court and the impasse was removed the apex court in the landmark judgment of S. Rangarajan Etc vs P. Jagjivan Ram, 1989 SCR (2) 204, 1989 SCC (2) 574, wherein the court held that inability of the state  to handle the hostile audience problem was not a sound defence and it is its obligatory duty on the state to prevent it and protect the freedom of expression.

Padmaavat: Hunt for the legendary Joker seems to end.

Before I start writing about the most controversial creation of 2017, let me advise you that never watch the Indian movies with the perspective of credible historical facts. Most of the movies are full of distorted facts. However, some movies are based on the credible sources, e.g. Black Friday (2008). 

Same stands true about Padmaavat. I assume that you are aware of the controversies involved in the movie and how the movie title was changed from Padmaavati to Padmaavat. However, this post is not about the validity of the alleged facts of the controversy. 

This post is about the whole movie, excluding its relation to the historical facts. 

Talking about direction and action scenes, the movie deserves applause. I had expected the same from Bhansali. However, those who have seen the Hollywood epic Troy (2004), they can relate the climax fight scene between Khilji and Rana Ratan to the climax fighting scene of Troy between Archilles and Hector.

Talking about the performance, I was eager to watch the performance of Ranveer Singh, ever since I watched the trailer of the movie last year. Performances of all actors are praiseworthy. But sometimes, the negative character eclipses the positive ones of the movie. The living example of it is The Dark Knight (2008), wherein the legendary Joker eclipsed the character of the Batman. And of course, the another and fresh example is Padmaavat, where the character of Khilji eclipsed that of Rana Ratan Singh.

I don't know, wheather Khilji was such a maniac and psycho as has been depicted in the movie. But whatever performance has been done by Ranveer, it seems to be next to the legendary Joker of The Dark Knight (2008). He has been shown such a mean and maniac that it reminded me of the Joker. Even in some of the scenes, he has prevailed over Shahid Kapoor. If things are considered in an unbiased manner, Ranveer will bag the award for the best actor in negative role. 

However, the only disappointing thing, that I consider, has marred the character of Khilji, is the illogically inserted dance scene of Khalibali song.