Actor Prakash Raj has taken a firm stand against the banning of films in India, irrespective of their ideological leanings, arguing that such measures stifle creative freedom and public discourse. In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Raj expressed concern over the growing trend of public sentiments being hurt “at the drop of a hat” and the increasing centralisation of censorship in the film industry.
“I’m not for any banning of films, whether it’s right-wing or a propaganda film. Let people decide. People have the right. You can’t ban films, unless it’s pornography or about child abuse. But thought process? So what? Let them come, no,” said Raj, reacting to the recent ban on Aarti S Bagdi’s romantic drama Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.
Raj cited several instances where films faced backlash or threats, including Deepika Padukone-starrer Padmaavat (2018), Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan (2023), and more recently, Prithviraj Sukumaran’s L2: Empuraan. He recalled the violent threats issued by the Shri Rajput Karni Sena against Deepika Padukone, including threats to “chop off her nose” over alleged distortions of Rajput history in Padmaavat. Similarly, he pointed to the controversy surrounding the saffron bikini worn by Padukone in the song “Besharam Rang” from Pathaan, which sparked outrage among certain sections of society.
“Today, anybody can get hurt. ‘I’ll chop off the nose of Deepika Padukone! I’ll behead her!’ Useey kya hoga (what effect would that have?). Shah Rukh Khan… just because of a colour? Besharam rang na… they can make a hue and cry about anything they don’t like,” Raj remarked, highlighting the hypersensitivity driving such controversies.
The actor also criticised the role of the state in enabling this culture of outrage. “The present power is letting it happen. They’re giving them enough support to let it happen, to create a fear in society,” he argued. Raj alleged that the film industry, being financially vulnerable, is particularly susceptible to such pressures. He further pointed out that certain films are deliberately sidelined due to censorship. “Certain films are not being made in this country. They will not let it because there’s censorship. There was state censorship. Now, they’ve clearly brought it to Central censorship. They decide what’s made,” he said.
Raj highlighted the case of L2: Empuraan, which was initially cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) but faced objections over its alleged depiction of the 2002 Godhra violence in Gujarat. Following public backlash, lead actor Mohanlal issued an apology, and certain scenes were edited. “The Kashmir Files will release. But some other films won’t. There’s a conscious attempt that every party will do. Today, it’s BJP, but it happened before also. Every powerful central government is always intolerant of questioning,” Raj stated, underscoring the political motivations behind selective censorship.
He warned that the growing fear in the industry could deter future generations of filmmakers from tackling bold or controversial subjects. “Their whole idea is to bring so much fear so that the next generation decides not to even write what they otherwise would. They don’t want this discourse,” Raj added.
Raj’s remarks come at a time when debates over creative freedom and censorship continue to dominate discussions in Indian cinema. His outspoken criticism underscores the need for a more open and inclusive environment for filmmakers to express diverse perspectives without fear of bans or backlash.
