ABKM asks director to edit scenes from movie

Akhil Bhartiya Kshatriya Mahasabha(ABKM) wants director of a film on caste divide to delete certain scenes, director not keen to do that.

Sanjeev Jaiswal, the director of Shudra The Rising, is the midst of a controversy months before a film based on the caste-divide in India releases.

Shudra-The-Rising

The first teasers and promos were released recently following which, the Akhil Bhartiya Kshatriya Mahasabha (ABKM) has sent him a letter asking him to delete certain objectionable scenes and lines that presents Kshatriyas in a bad light.

The ABKM is afraid that the film could stir up unrest in the northern states where caste discriminations continue.

Sanjeev insists that his intention was not to create chaos but caution the present generation from following in the footsteps of their fathers and forefathers.

“The caste system was created centuries ago for a particular purpose that is no longer relevant to the society we live in. Adhering to it, we are only creating a divide and dissent that expresses itself through riots and reservations,” points out the filmmaker who’s not keen to incorporate the cuts suggested.

“The promo and the film have been passed by the Censor Board who did not find it offensive. Neither do I, so why should I make any changes?”

“I had no idea they were timed for the same month,” he says.

Given the political climate, will he bow down to pressures from Mayawati or any other state leader that wants a prior screening or certain cuts before the release?

“My film is based on actual facts, we’ve worked on it for two years. Why would I listen to anyone?”