Case Against Film Director For Showing Obscene Scenes Involving Children

Mihir Bhanage (BOMBAY TIMES; February 25, 2022)

Mahesh Manjrekar’s Marathi film Nay Varan Bhat Loncha Kon Nay Koncha (NVBLKNK) has been in the news ever since its trailer released online. On Wednesday, a case was registered against the filmmaker at the Mahim Police Station, under IPC Section 292, 34, POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Section 14 and IT Section 67, 67B, for the portrayal of children in an objectionable manner. The case was lodged following social activist Seema Deshpande’s plea which alleged that the film showed obscene scenes involving children.

The film, based on Jayant Pawar’s book Varanbhat Loncha Ni Kon Nay Koncha, is about a young boy’s tryst with oppression, revenge and the world of crime. Scenes involving the youngster mouthing abuses, and having an illicit relationship with his aunt have been at the centre of controversy after some viewers and social activists called out the ‘wrong portrayal of women and minors’ in the film. The National Commission for Women (NCW), too, has expressed displeasure over the trailer of the film.

Manjrekar said, “I don’t want to get into the legal aspect of the case because that’s something my lawyers will respond to. But it’s a free country and everybody has a right to voice their opinion. We’ll take due course of action as per the law. Our film is meant for viewing by people above the age of 18 only. This was something that we clearly stated on our poster, too. Plus, the film released in theatres after being censored by the CBFC. What else can I say?”

In Manjrekar’s words, this film completes his trilogy about the underbelly of Mumbai’s crime world, the first two films in this series being Vaastav and City Of Gold.

Not a stranger to controversies, Manjrekar says that though the content of the film has some strong language and visuals, it was passed by the CBFC with an A certificate. “The film is about a boy who has faced constant oppression and has this raw, animal instinct of seeking revenge that comes forth in a way that’s not acceptable to society. Have I shown any nudity in the film? No. Have I made a porn film? No. Sure, there’s strong language and bold scenes, but we hadn’t expected this kind of backlash,” he said.

— Inputs by Preeti Atulkar
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I STAND BY THE FILM AND MAHESH SIR: ASHWINI KULKARNI

Actress Ashwini Kulkarni, who plays the role of the aunt in the film,says that the shoot itself was very thoughtfully done and there was nothing objectionable involved in it. She said, “Mahesh sir put the comfort of the actors above everything else,and a lot of thought went into shooting every scene in this film. Plus, the said scenes that have caused this controversy have not been shot for the purpose of titillation. They play a pivotal role in taking the story of the film forward. I firmly stand by the film and Mahesh sir.”