Censors' 'No' to 'Kadal Arangam

Director Velu Prabhakaran is fretting and fuming over the rejection of his film "Kadal Arangam" by the Censor Board. His efforts to get it cleared by members of the review committee have also failed. The committee also has firmly said "No". Velu now plans go in appeal.

The reasons cited for the rejection of the film by the board are that the movie is unfit for public viewing as it is downright obscene with brazen coitus and frontal nude scenes. An official of the board is quoted as saying that they feared the movie would spark public outcry leading to controversies if it is released without the recommended cuts.

Velu Prabhakaran is a sad man today. He has taken the stand that "Kadal Arangam" is a movie made with the objective of creating awareness among the public about the need for sexual emancipation of women who are physically abused and morally battered. Normally his movies are aimed at helping the cause of social reforms promoting the ideals of rationalist leader EVR Periyar. His earlier movies have not done any harm to society. "What have I said in my films which Periyar has not already elucidated?" He asks.

He further elaborates: Among the social crimes, the incidence of rape is on the rise and college girls are increasingly targeted. This is unprecedented. There is growing infidelity among married couples too. In the name of love, there is sexual exploitation. He has realistically portrayed this reprehensible social problem in "Kadal Arangam". In our country the social issues concerning the dignity and modesty of women are not addressed with seriousness and "Kadal Arangam" only brings this point into sharp focus, according to Velu.

Countering Velu's claim that Rajinikanth was of great help to him in making the film, the Censor Board official reportedly said Rajini would not have heard the story and Velu's plan was to sell an obscene movie with the'Periyar tag'.

Velu has mounted a media campaign against the Censor Board's rejection of the film. He is determined to fight it out. .He would accept even an "A" certificate. Let the public be judges, he pleads.