Chandigarh: “The Mastermind Jinda-Sukha”, a Punjabi film, was banned in Indian subcontinent by Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) few days before its release on September 11. The movie, however, was released abroad by the film-makers, who have now moved to the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking revocation of ban on screening of the movie in Punjab.
The film is said to be made on the events related to life of Sikh martyrs- Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Sukhdev Singh Sukha, who had brought Indian Army’s former general Arun Vaidhya to justice. Vaidhya was heading Indian army when the force attacked Darbar Sahib (Amritsar) and other Sikh Gurduaras in June 1984.
The petitioner, Darshan Singh, who is a Sangrur resident and also producer of the film, said the film was cleared for public viewing on July 24 by CBFC after effecting some cuts. But on September 9, the certificate given was revoked.
“No new material had come on record for revoking of the certificate granted to the petitioner. It was done by CBFC on the instructions of the Centre,” petitioner’s counsel Ranjan Lakhanpal alleged, arguing that the order of revocation was passed due to the “whims and fancies” of the Centre.
The film, however, did not receive good reviews from the audience abroad. Many viewers who have watched the movie told Sikh Siyasat News (SSN) that the film is poor in directional and artistic aspects. A reviewer from Leicester, UK said that the film fails to leave any powerful impact. “The film does not match to the stature of our legendary martyrs” he said.