While the last few days have seen numerous jokes on Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's films doing the rounds, not many are aware that his first film MSG: The Messenger of God (2015) had run into censor trouble. The board members had valid reasons for not clearing the film, but eventually, Singh, who has just been sentenced to 20 years for two rape cases by a special CBI court in Rohtak, managed to get the film released.

Nandini Sardesai, one of the members of the Censor Board during that time, spoke to Bombay Times about what happened when the self-styled Godman's film came up for censorship. She said, “In mid-January 2015, four CBFC members, including me, were at the Eros theatre (Churchgate, Mumbai). As usual, we did not know which film we were about to view until we reached the venue. When the papers were handed over, I read that the film we were to view was MSG: The Messenger Of God. As the film unfolded, it turned out to be some sort of a fantasy movie starring a man who called himself God. He was the producer and director and the cast comprised his followers. It was replete with miracles and magical displays, and also some explicit lewd scenes. As soon as the film was over, one of the members, who was a Sikh, told me that the man in the film had been chargesheeted for rape and was considered a Godman in Punjab-Haryana. I was taken aback to hear this. In any case, the committee, after discussion, felt that the film was promoting blind faith and superstition and as per the rules of the CBFC, it should not be certified. As per procedure, the applicants (the filmmakers) were called and informed. They argued aggressively, but the committee did not budge. Finally, I stated that they could appeal to the CBFC chairperson or go to FCAT (Film Certification Appellate Tribunal). The film was screened the next day for the chairperson Leela Samson in Chennai.“

Sardesai added, “After watching the film, Leela agreed with the committee's decision and spoke to me on the phone. Within 48 hours, the film was shown to FCAT - it usually takes a couple of weeks to get an appointment - and it was passed with a U/A certificate! Leela was furious, as the tension had been building up since a few months. She called me and announced her decision to quit as chairperson. Many board members, who had completed their tenure and had got an extension, resigned in unison. I was only midway in my tenure, so I decided to continue till the next year. I felt that I could contribute positively by being a board member than staying outside.“

“The Dera chief 's first film was launched with much fanfare and thereafter, he made similar films. He was on a high, it was apparent. He had shown he had the power to cock a snook at the authority. His next films were cleared by the new chairperson, Pahlaj Nihalani, without any ado. Last year, I ceased to be a board member, having completed my tenure. I had given my job my best shot and felt satisfied. I knew I would not be given an extension as I had been branded 'a liberal' by the chairperson,“ she summed up.