Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 3: Filmmaker Sanjay Sharma, producer and director of the upcoming film Sahiya, has raised questions over the functioning of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), alleging an unexplained delay in the film's certification process.

Sharma said the film was submitted under the CBFC's priority category, under which it was expected to be screened within the stipulated timeframe. However, he claimed the screening took place only after nearly one-and-a-half months.

According to the filmmaker, the CBFC informed the makers during the screening that the film would be referred to a review committee as it was perceived to have a backdrop of Naxalism.

Rejecting the observation, Sharma maintained that Sahiya is not a film based on Naxalism but a family and human love story set against a forest backdrop. He asserted that the film neither promotes nor supports any violent ideology.

He further alleged that although more than 10 days have passed since the screening, the makers have not received any formal communication regarding the film being referred to the review committee or any final decision from the CBFC.

Sharma said that if the board has any objections, it should take a decision in accordance with the rules while ensuring that the certification process is completed within a reasonable timeframe.

He also claimed that prolonged delays in certification result in financial losses for producers and directors and disrupt pre-approved release schedules.

Urging the CBFC to expedite the process, Sharma said an early decision would enable the makers to release the film without further delay.

Sahiya was shot in the Netarhat region of Jharkhand and stars Neeraj Kabi, Shantanu Maheshwari and Rinku Rajguru in lead roles. The film's soundtrack features voices by Sona Mohapatra, Javed Ali, Richa Sharma, Krishna Beura and Swanand Kirkire, with lyrics by Sameer Anjaan and Swanand Kirkire.