Suresh Pai

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 8 : In a groundbreaking move that challenges societal norms and censorship, director Dibakar Banerjee brings forth 'Love, Sex Aur Dhokha 2' (LSD 2), a film that dives headfirst into bold themes and modern-day challenges faced by Indian society. In a candid interview with ANI, renowned Dibakar Banerjee opened up about his latest venture, 'LSD 2', shedding light on its conception, societal relevance, and the challenges of navigating censorship in cinema.From his iconic works like 'Khosla Ghosla' to the groundbreaking 'Love, Sex Aur Dhoka' in 2010, Banerjee's cinematic journey has been marked by a commitment to storytelling that resonates with the pulse of society.Speaking about the inspiration behind 'LSD 2', Banerjee revealed, "It wasn't my idea, it was Ekta's idea. She suggested that enough time had passed and society had changed so much that we could make LSD 2."The film delves into the complexities of modern relationships in the age of the internet, exploring how virtual lives intersect with reality.Banerjee expressed his curiosity to explore this shift, stating, "In the time of LSD 2, our virtual life has now completely dominated our real life. So this virtual life that we live in, I wanted to see how it was happening."Reflecting on the role of films in society, Banerjee highlighted the constraints faced by filmmakers when addressing taboo subjects like love and sex. He remarked, "Because we all show something from above and do something inside."Accompanying Banerjee in this enlightening conversation were the talented newcomers, Bonita Rajpurohit, Abhinav and Paritosh, who shared their experiences of breaking stereotypes and making their mark in the industry through 'LSD 2'.Bonita, making her debut as a transgender character in the film, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and provide authentic representation. She emphasized, "It's important to challenge stereotypes and provide authentic representation."Paritosh, portraying the character of Noor in the film, reflected on his journey from auditions to landing a significant role in 'LSD 2'.He revealed, "When the audition came, I thought he would have come for one of the contestants because I have been here for the past 8 years and I am trying, trying, trying."Adding to the conversation was Abhinav, who plays a YouTuber in the film. Despite his contrasting interests, Abhinav embraced the role's challenges and emphasized the film's relevance to today's youth.In discussing censorship in Indian cinema, Banerjee acknowledged the shifting landscape with the rise of OTT platforms, highlighting the challenges faced by filmmakers in navigating censorship regulations.The interview provided a glimpse into the creative process behind 'LSD 2' and underscored the importance of representation and storytelling in cinema. As the release of 'LSD 2' approaches, audiences eagerly anticipate the film's exploration of contemporary themes and societal dynamics.With bold storytelling and diverse representation, 'LSD 2' promises to captivate audiences and spark conversations about the ever-changing landscape of love, sex, and deception in today's society.'Love Sex Aur Dhokha' which was released in 2010, starred actors Rajkummar Rao, Neha Chauhan, Anshuman Jha, and Nushrratt Bharuccha among others.Uorfi Javed is making her debut on the big screen with Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2, which will hit theatres on April 19.

In the first video, the guests can be seen having dinner in Maharashtrian style. Aamir's ex-wife Kiran Rao was also seen having the meal.The other picture showcased Ira with Nupur, actor Mithila Palkar and others. Ira captioned the story, "The wedding festivities have begun."Ira wore a red colour saree and she opted for a no makeup look. Nupur, on the other hand, opted for a red kurta that he teamed with a golden jacket and black pyjamas.Mithila also took to Instagram to share a picture with the couple. She wrote, "Let's get you guys married."Mithila wore a yellow suit for that occasion.Notably, Ira got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Nupur Shikhare, on November 18, last year, in the presence of close friends and family members.The engagement ceremony saw the Khan family beaming joyfully from Imran Khan, Aamir's ex-wives Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao, to actor Fatima Sana Shaikh.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Ira Khan (@khan.ira)Earlier in an Instagram post, Ira also announced her wedding date in the video, which is January 3, 2024Aamir was earlier married to Reena Dutta but separated in 2002. He has a daughter Ira and a son Junaid from his first marriage with Reena.Aamir and Kiran got married on December 28, 2005. They welcomed their first son, Azad, through surrogacy in 2011.

CBFC) on Thursday issued a statement denying reports that it had refused to issue a censor certificate to the trailer of '72 Hoorain' by National Award-winning director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan.Reports on the alleged denial of a censor certificate for the film's trailer sparked debates over creative freedom and censorship. However, the CBFC denied the reports in a statement saying, "Misleading reports are being circulated in certain sections of media that a film and its trailer titled "Bahattar Hoorain (72 Hoorain)" has been Refused certification by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)."It added, "Contrary to the reports, CBFC states that the film 'Bahattar Hoorain (72 Hoorain)' was granted 'A' certification and the certificate was issued on 4-10-2019. Now, the trailer of said film is under due process which was applied to CBFCThe CBFC's responsibility is to ensure that films adhere to certain guidelines and classifications to safeguard audience sensibilities.The makers of the film, on Wednesday, digitally unveiled the official trailer of the film.Taking to Instagram, trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the trailer, captioning, "'72 HOORAIN' TRAILER OUT NOW... Team #72Hoorain - directed by #NationalAward winner #SanjayPuranSinghChauhan- launches the trailer of the film, which arrives in *cinemas* on 7 July 2023."Helmed by two-time National Award winner Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, the film is slated to release on July 7.The film is produced by Gulab Singh Tanwar, Kiran Dagar, and Anirudh Tanwar and is co-produced by Ashoke Pandit.Earlier, the makers unveiled the film's teaser in 10 languages.'72 Hoorain' stars Pavan Malhotra and Ameer Bashir in lead roles.

Ashoke Pandit spoke about the controversy surrounding his upcoming film '72 Hoorain'.The Central Board of Film Certification had rejected a censor certificate for the trailer for National Award-winning director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan's film '72 Hoorain.'This ruling has stirred concerns about creative freedom and censorship in the film business.During the press conference, he said, "They (the Censor board) have asked us to remove some scenes and words from the trailer, but they have no objection to keeping those scenes in the film. We are questioning this contradiction. This film is not against any religion and is dealing with terrorism."Producer Gulab Singh Tanwar also added, "Films are a mirror of society. They have a significant impact on society. These films are reflections of society's genuine state and attempt to provide guidance. Sometimes topics arise in which a great deal of truth must be spoken. But there are instances when we are afraid to express the truth. We were up in India, where Pakistan is referred to as neighbouring country and Muslims are referred to as a minority. I'm not sure what society is terrified of. What sort of secularism is this, which comes in the middle of everything, this bothers me, I met Sanjay (Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan). Sanjay was prepping for this film when I met him, I felt like my wish came true.".Earlier the makers of '72 Hoorain' stated that they would seek assistance from higher authorities. They also spoke about requesting the I&B ministry to intervene in the case and question the CBFC's senior authorities.The trailer provides a dramatic insight into a riveting narrative of what happens in the dark world of terrorism and the intense brainwashing of terrorists.Helmed by two-time National Award winner Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, it is slated to release on July 7. The film is produced by Gulab Singh Tanwar, Kiran Dagar, and Anirudh Tanwar and is co-produced by Ashoke Pandit.

After learning about the unfortunate news, actress Pearle Maaney took to Instagram and paid her condolences.Pearle wrote, "May her soul rest in peace. Gone too soon."Fans also mourned the untimely demise of Subi."literally grew up watching her comedy shows and comic roles in movies..one headstrong of a woman who made herself a place in comedy field mainly dominated by males in early 2000srip subi, gone way too soon..she was just 41," a social media user tweeted."Sad news. She was a brilliant actor," another wrote on Twitter.Subi started her career as a mimicry artist in the Cochin Kalabhavan troupe years ago and gradually carved a niche in the entertainment industry.Subi has also featured in several films including 'Kanaka Simhasanam', 'Happy Husbands', 'Thaskara Lahala', 'Elsamma Enna Aankutty', '101 Weddings', and, 'Drama' among others.More details regarding her demise are awaited.

After much outcry and controversy, Chinas streaming giant Tencent Video has largely restored the films iconic final scene of Brad Pitt starrer Fight Club which was previously edited out and replaced with a new text.According to Collider, initially, the original ending of the iconic psychological thriller film was censored, giving it a completely altered plot. The changes drew international attention; fans from all over the world outraged and expressed themselves through various outlets online. As a result of the backlash, eleven out of the twelve-minute-long missing footage have now been restored. The remaining one minute of the Chinese version remains on the cutting room floor that mainly features nudity.The original ending of David Finchers 1999 cult classic film saw Edward Nortons character the narrator killing his imaginary alter ego Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and then watches as multiple buildings explode. In China's version, the narrator still kills off Durden, but the exploding building scene was replaced with a black screen and a coda, The police rapidly figured out the whole plan and arrested all criminals, successfully preventing the bomb from exploding.The censored ending was ridiculed online and criticized by both human rights groups and Chinese viewers who had previously seen pirated versions of the original. As a result of the immense international outcry, Tencent Video's version of Fight Club has been almost fully restored, and it would be easy to assume that the international outcry over censorship had something to do with it.

In a move that can change cinema experience for adults in The United Arab Emirates, the country has announced the addition of a new over-21 age classification to its motion picture rating system. The new rules will allow uncut versions of international movies to be shown in UAE cinemas. However, details on the same are vague as of now.On Monday, the UAE's Media Regulatory Office announced that the new rating for films classified for audiences aged over 21 will allow the international (uncut) version of movies to be shown in cinemas. However, the age classification standards for audience entry should be strictly followed in cinema halls.In large parts of the Middle East, movies that portray sex, homosexuality and religious issues are cut to comply with the censorship rules due to cultural constraints or are sometimes banned outright.In the recent past, Marvel's Eternals featuring the first MCU gay superhero had scenes cut before they played in cinema halls. Meanwhile, Steven Spielberg's West Side Story, which has a transgender character named Anybodys, was banned in parts of the Middle East.While the announcement is a massive step against film censorship, it needs to be seen what films will now be allowed to screen uncut to audiences 21 and over.

The Amazon Prime Video web series Tandav directed by Ali Abbas Zafar landed in legal trouble ever since it was released on January 15 on the streaming platform. Now, after the BJP seeking action against the makers, Maharashtra Government has said on Wednesday that it will take action as per the law."We have received a complaint regarding the web series Tandav. Action will be taken as per law. The Maharashtra government supports censorship of OTT platforms. This keeps happening time and again. So the Centre needs to come up with a law, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh told reporters.On Monday, the team of Tandav had issued an unconditional apology for unintentionally hurting the sentiments of the people. They had also assured that they will be implementing changes to the series after a discussion with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Soon after, the scenes that caused problems were deleted from the nine-part series.Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Jayant Patil also said that the government will not tolerate the insult of Hindu God and Goddesses. Talking to CNN News 18, he said, We dont expect anyone to say anything wrong about our deities. There is no problem in taking action. The Home department is looking into it. And as per requirement, legal action will be taken.

Ever since the Ministry Of Information & Broadcasting announced that the OTT platform would be monitored and restrained by the Government as per censor rules, there is widespread panic in the film industry about the ramifications of this new governmental guideline.Would it curb the freedom of expression on the digital platform?State Minister and singer-actor Baabul Supriyo speaking on the issue on behalf of the Government says, Of course it is a major problem. There has to be some kind of accountability some sort of a check and balance on the OTT platform. It was long due. However, Baabul reveals that the Government is not planning any drastic measures. It would all be reasonable. Its not as though well suddenly clamp down on the OTT content. Filmmakers on the digital platform would still have comparatively a lot more freedom than on the large screen. The only thing is, the freedom wont be unlimited. You wont be allowed to go on an abusive binge like Mirzapur. Kaun itni galiyan deta hai har baat mein (who abuses so much in real life)? This kind of content for shock value would have to be graded according to age-suitability.There is a plan ahead whereby all adult content would be doubly inaccessible to underage audiences on the internet.Says Baabul, Serials and films on the OTT that are suitable for adults only may have the option of an added password to ensure double safety. In this way, the adult content will be double protected from being exposed to underage viewers.Baabul feels there is no danger of freedom of expression being curbed on the OTT platform. We are not into moral policing. We only want children to be protected from watching content that is not suitable for them.

With the streaming platforms now coming under the censorship guidelines of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the free-for-all atmosphere that prevailed on the OTT platform is a thing of the past, as it now looks at a glum future.The ongoing serials which revel in the filth dimension would now have to seriously reconsider their attitude towards the volume of luridness in their content. A member of the popular Mirzapur cast revealed to this writer that there is consternation in their team over the new censorship rules on the digital platform. We are talking about this among ourselves. Our USP in Mirzapur is the blunt content, fearless plotline, and the authentic dialogues. The characters speak like real gangsters in the Northern belt. They would now have to curb their BCs and MCs severely. It would just not be the same anymore.However a source close to the BJP government says the OTT platform doesnt have to be afraid. Its not as though overnight they would be asked to turn into prudes. The whole idea of a digital platform is to give filmmakers the freedom to show and say what they cant in the cinema. The curb would be on sleaze rather than authenticity.Veteran lyricist media commentator Amit Khanna feels theres no reason for the digital filmmakers to panic. It doesn't change anything at present. The notification is only about change in Business rules which means that digital content which was currently being administered by Ministry of IT will now be looked after by I&B Ministry. This is in fact good as content and carriage are two different entities. If and when any regulations are introduced there will proper stakeholder consultation and perhaps an amendment to the act. As per Government's statement in the SC, online content will have self-regulation