By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, July 9 (IANS): "Shahid" was replaced by Marathi feature film "Astu" as the opener at the 61st National Film Festival 2014. Director Hansal Mehta, who smells conspiracy, says that films made with passion should not become "pawns in an unseemly, petty game".
Based on real life story, "Shahid", about slain lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi, won the National award for best film.
In the capital, public screening of National Award winning films of 2013 was organised from june 29 to July 2 and "Shahid" was scheduled to open it before the last minute change.
Reacting to change in the organisers' screening plans, Mehta said: “I don’t want to sound persecuted. Nor do I wish to make an issue out of the fact that 'Shahid' was yanked out of being screened as the inaugural film for the National Film Festival.
"I’ve heard it being said that my film was given the National Award because it spoke in favour of a particular community. But my film spoke about inequality and not about any community.”
Starring Rajkummar Rao, "Shahid" was lauded by all and sundry.
“I was informed about Shahid being the opening film at the National Film Festival on May 15 and I confirmed my presence saying that I would be honoured. Soon afterwards the decision seems to have been reversed and I learnt about this only through the internet.
"I am constrained to believe that there are reasons beyond cinema for this sudden change... My only appeal is that keep your political compulsions out of cinema," said Mehta.
"I will continue to express myself through films and such discriminatory practice only strengthens my resolve. I hope I am wrong in judging the decision in this manner but somehow my logical mind does not allow me to believe otherwise.
"I also wish to put on record that I am not passing any judgement over 'Astu', which was chosen over my film and I am only expressing my sadness that films made with passion should become pawns in an unseemly, petty game," he added.
Hansal feels that if his film had to be replaced by another it should have been Anand Gandhi’s "Ship of Theseus", which also won the National Award.
But an official associated with the Ministry Of Information and Broadcasting, who doesn’t want to be named, brushed off Mehta’s misgivings.
“Mr. Mehta is just imagining things. We chose to schedule 'Astu' instead of 'Shahid' as the inaugural film because the cast and crew of 'Astu' including Mohan Agashe (co-producer and the lead actor) were present.
"Since we thought 'Astu' to be a worthy film we went with it. It’s ridiculous to read conspiracy theories in something as routine as one film being replaced by another at the National Film Festival,” said the official.
However, Mehta remains unconvinced.
“I was told 'Shahid' was removed as the inaugural film because it would not get a sizable audience. I want to know who decides what the audience wants to see? I was given the impractical slot of 4.45 p.m. on Monday and we had a full house. So am I imagining a conspiracy?”