Irrfan reacts to his movie being banned in Bangladesh: How can a film harm society?

Irfan Khan

Irfan Khan

Irrfans's Bangladeshi movie, No Bed Of Roses (Doob), has proved to be a thorn in the Bangladeshi government's side. The country's Information Ministry has revoked a no-objection certificate granted by its Film Development Corporation after watching the Mostofa Sarwar Farooki-directed drama last week. The ban is attributed to the script's uncanny resemblance to the life of legendary writer-filmmaker Humayun Ahmed, notwithstanding a disclaimer at the beginning of the film.

Reacting to the news, Irrfan says, "I am surprised by the decision. It is a story centered on human emotions, the relationship between a man and woman. How can a film cause any harm to society?"

A still from the film

In No Bed Of Roses, Khan reportedly plays a filmmaker called Javed Hasan, who leaves his wife and marries an actress, who happens to be his daughter's schoolmate - much like Humayun's personal story.

The Bangladeshi Film Development Corporation had approved the script in March last year.

Farooki, who has resolved to move the court to facilitate his film's release, says, "I have never officially claimed it to be a biopic, as that would need more detailing. I don't promise to show any truth. Doob is fictional and open to interpretation."

Without clearance from the Film Development Corporation, the producers cannot seek help of the local Censor Board, so the only option available for the makers is to take legal recourse.

Farooki, however, believes it's a soft ban and will eventually be lifted. "I assure you that our film has not been permanently banned.

It is indefinitely blocked due to unjust suspension of the NOC. However, this unfair suspension will not be stretched. We believe it will be lifted. It might deal with a taboo subject, but the treatment is subtle. There is nothing explicit in the movie. It also does not violate any censor regulations in my home country," he says.