R. Narayana Murthy questions censor board over Sree Vishnu's Comrade Kalyan

R. Narayana Murthy wants the censor board to explain why Sree Vishnu's Comrade Kalyan struggled to get its certificate when films like The Kashmir Files and Bastar were cleared. He raised the question at the film's blockbuster meet on Friday.

"Comrade Kalyan is not anti-government," the veteran filmmaker said. In his view, The Kashmir Files got through because it was pro-government. He described Comrade Kalyan as a love story and comedy entertainer that takes aim at neither the government nor the police.

The film's Naxalite backdrop was the main sticking point, and Murthy defended it. He called Naxalites sons of the soil and Indian citizens, and said the movement was only the setting for the story. He also asked why characters in olive-green uniforms should become a problem for the censor board just by appearing on screen.

He gave Kona Venkat the credit for getting the film cleared. According to Murthy, Kona used his connections with political leaders to go to Delhi and secure the certificate. Murthy then asked what an ordinary producer without that kind of influence was supposed to do.

He urged the board to treat every filmmaker equally and to stay out of their freedom of expression. The makers, he said, only wanted to show what happens in society.

The film has done well at the box office. Reports say it has grossed Rs 30 crore despite negative reviews.