Did Censor Board reject Arvind Kejriwal film over derogatory remarks against PM Narendra Modi?

Documentary on AAP rise rejected by CBFC; sources say disparaging reference to Modi, Sheila Dikshit could be the reason behind decision

Arvind Kejriwal and Anand Gandhi

National Award-winning filmmaker Anand Gandhi's upcoming production, An Insignificant Man, is a political thriller that looks at the rise of anti-corruption protests across India in 2011, leading to the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). It focuses specifically on Delhi chief minister and AAP's national convener, Arvind Kejriwal.

However, the Examining Committee (EC) of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has rejected the film over derogatory remarks against PM Narendra Modi and former Delhi CM, Sheila Dikshit, deeming it inappropriate for certification. A source says, "The EC was divided over the issuance of certificate for the film. Hence, the film has been referred to the Revising Committee of the CBFC."

The documentary has been in the making for four years, and shot primarily between 2012 and 2013. When mid-day called the film's director, Khusboo Ranka, she said she wasn't aware of the development. "What we do know is that the film has been referred to the Revising Committee. We are yet to approach the CBFC to find out the reason (for rejection)."

Responding to the charge of derogatory remarks against Dikshit and Modi, she said, "It's a documentary, so it contains real footage of events." CBFC chairman Pahlaj Nihalani told mid-day, "If the EC hasn't cleared the film, the producers are free to move the Revising Committee or the tribunal."

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