India's Cinema Reputation at Stake: Shashi Tharoor Criticizes Censorship Row at Kerala Film Festival
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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed disappointment over the Centre's decision to delay censor exemptions for some films at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) 2025. Speaking at the festival, Tharoor emphasized that India is a country with a rich cinematic culture and should not be governed solely by rulebooks. Tharoor pointed out that a film called 'Beef', which has nothing to do with cow slaughter, was denied clearance due to its title. He criticized the bureaucrats for their 'petty' approach, saying that such actions tarnish India's image globally. The IFFK 2025 has been marred by a censorship controversy, with organizers awaiting official exemptions to screen 19 films, including those related to the Palestine conflict and a 100-year-old classic by Sergei Eisenstein. Tharoor believes that India's bureaucrats need to develop a more refined sensibility and appreciate the country's cultural diversity. The 30th edition of the IFFK 2025 was inaugurated on December 12, with discussions ongoing at the highest level to secure approval for the films. Tharoor's comments highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to censorship, one that balances artistic expression with the country's image abroad.
