The Kashmir Files: Censorship, Propaganda, and Political Aura

Vivek Agnihotri's controversial film, The Kashmir Files, has been fittingly meeting a significant challenge from one of its staunch critics. #160;A recent incident involving the movie's censor certificate has brought to light the intricate web of subjective judgments and political influence at play.

The Controversial Censor Certificate

According to a recent report, The Kashmir Files was granted a censor certificate without a single cut. This claim, however, has been widely disputed, with Vivek Agnihotri and other critics highlighting the presence of significant edits made by the censor board.

In a radical move, Saket Gokhale, a critic and social media user, remarked that the film is 'pure surrogate propaganda sponsored by the BJP and Modi government,' an assertion that has garnered significant attention.

Insights from the Censor Board

Vivek Agnihotri deftly addressed the criticisms by sharing a screenshot of a news item claiming that the movie was cleared with seven cuts and an A certificate. He also disclosed that the censor board actually suggested several changes before providing the A certificate. Specifically, several scenes were approved after changes, indicating an actual process of scrutiny and modification.

Some of the scenes that underwent scrutiny from the censor board included:

Using abusive language against Hindu women to stay in the Valley and unproductive men leaving Kashmir. The tussle involved unparliamentary words exchanged between two groups. Grounding the Indian flag and then igniting it. A photo featuring former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Yasin Malik. A female tender girl being raped. A wife being raped in front of household members. Men being tied to motorcycles and dragged by two-wheeled vehicles. Post the death of a Hindu, splitting it by Valley Muslims. Rename JNU to ANU, with a change in a professor's name from Neivedita Menon to Radhika Menon.

These scenes, subject to scrutiny, indicate a significant process of censorship and modification aimed at ensuring the movie's content aligns with specific norms and sensibilities.

Political Complications and Stake

The assertion that any criticism against a film is a direct shot at the Muslim community is a common discourse in the Indian political landscape. However, it is essential to understand that this is more than a simple criticism. It reflects a broader political strategy aimed at securing power through communal politics.

Muslim votes are indeed a critical component for political success in many states in India. However, the cost of gaining those votes is not insignificant. The more reliance on Muslim votes, the higher the cost and the more control these votes might exert over political decisions and agendas.

As an illustrative example, take the case of Nawab Malik, now cooling his heels in Mumbai's jail, a result of political maneuvering. The BJP's political strategy has shifted from veering towards Veer Savarkar to aligning with a Mawali to secure Muslim support.

The Role of Media and Perception

The media plays a crucial role in shaping perception and reinforcing political narratives. This is evident in the way different factions present their viewpoints. #160;Bollywood and Hindi crime novels often portray a #160;'bhai connection,' illustrating the interconnectedness of Mumbai politics, with a strong communal undertone. The changing narrative from the Shiv Sainiks demolishing the Babri Masjid to now supporting the Dongri Gang is a direct reflection of political expediency.

The broader narrative is that the compulsion of Muslim votes and the political necessity to appeal to this demographic cannot be ignored, despite the myriad challenges it presents.

Understanding the nuanced context around The Kashmir Files underscores the complex interplay of censorship, propaganda, and political influence in shaping the public discourse.