DNA (February 7, 2015)

Malaysia has banned the release of Fifty Shades Of Grey, due for a February 12 release in that country, with the chairman of their censor board calling it “more pornography than a movie”.

The 100-minute film is expected to face several cuts in Philippines and other countries, but most other nations like the US and the UK have given the strictest possible rating without cuts. Could India be next on the we-want-a-ban list, ahead of its scheduled release on February 13?

With the release of the first few trailers, it quickly became one of 2015’s most-anticipated releases, even in India. But with everything from the AIB Roast to the name of films being found offensive, it’s only a matter of time before someone chances upon a reason to ask for a ban on the film, or several cuts. In essence, defeating the purpose of releasing the film in the first place.

About a sado-masochistic relationship between a literature student and a billionaire, the film is reported to feature 20 minutes of “intense sex”. But seeing that protests are already mounting in relatively progressive countries over concerns of domestic abuse and sexual violence, people here could find other reasons to get offended as well.