Screening of Ritwik Ghatak’s Films Cancelled in Kolkata School Over Political Content

Kolkata school cancels Ritwik Ghatak film screenings over political concerns, sparking debate on artistic freedomx

A planned screening of legendary filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak’s documentary Amar Lenin and his acclaimed feature Komal Gandhar at a state-run school in Kolkata was cancelled due to objections over the films’ political content. The event, organized by cultural group Naktala Setu to mark Ghatak’s birth centenary, was scheduled for February 10 but faced last-minute hurdles.

According to Onkar Roy, a representative for Naktala Setu, the school’s headmaster initially welcomed the screenings and even praised Ghatak’s work. However, on February 5, the school revoked permission, citing “certain developments.” Roy reported the headmaster appeared to be under pressure; however, the school later indicated the cancellation was due to other engagements.

The organization then approached a local club, which also declined, citing pressure from higher authorities. Undeterred, Naktala Setu arranged an outdoor screening on a roadside in the Bidhan Pally area, which drew hundreds of attendees.

While Komal Gandhar, a film exploring the struggles of post-partition migrants, faced no objections, concerns were raised about Amar Lenin, a documentary commemorating Vladimir Lenin’s birth. A school official revealed that some guardians found its political content unsuitable for an educational setting.

Amar Lenin, a 1970 film, was initially prohibited but then cleared after intervention from then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Komal Gandhar, part of Ghatak’s famous partition trilogy, is widely regarded as a masterpiece.

Read more: Samay Raina Cancels Gujarat Shows Amidst India’s Got Latent Controversy

This isn’t the first time politically charged films have faced controversy in Bengal. In 2019, filmmaker Anik Dutta’s Bhabisyoter Bhoot was removed from cinemas, generating uproar. The film was later re-released following a Supreme Court decision.

The cancellation of Ghatak’s screenings sparked a debate over artistic freedom and the role of political content in cultural events. While many directors and actors have reluctant to comment, the episode highlights the difficulties that artists have when dealing with sensitive issues.

Ritwik Ghatak is an iconic personality in Indian cinema, recognised for his innovative storytelling and study of sociopolitical concerns. Despite the hurdles, roadside screenings of his films demonstrate his lasting influence and the public’s love for his work.

As arguments over censorship and artistic freedom continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the need of protecting places for varied perspectives and narratives in art and culture.

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