Why ban 'Samskara'

Bernice Rubens

Sir, .. I saw a preview of “Samskara” while I was in Madras and I was deeply impressed by its implications, not only as a work of art, but what seems to me to be a complete breakaway from the safe conventional forms of Indian film-making. This is a film that will be seriously considered by all committed film-makers throughout the world and will be acknowledged as representing the best in Indian cinema.

“Samskara” is a courageous film. It takes for its theme the concept of the Brahmin elite, and dares to question it. But in doing so, it is careful never to demolish. Men, like great ideas, have weaknesses, and it is the acknowledgment of man’s fallibility that endows him with dignity and compassion. The Brahmin concept is only the springboard of the film. From it emerges a theme of utter universality, that of a man who comes to question his own moves, his own piety. It is the story of the man’s self-doubt, and a nagging sense of responsibility. “Samskara” is a film that reaches out, that goes beyond the confines of its own particular theme, and in its sensitive treatment, forces an universal application.

The content of the film is courageous enough; its form even braver. There are no stars and it was shot wholly on location. It had no need to depend on elaborate studio sets or a floral music score, which are usually last resorts, desperately engaged to camouflage a paucity of imagination. “Samskara” is a rich film, that can ony leave the spectator deeply moved.

With all this, it is difficult to understand why the film is under a banning order. By Western standards there is nothing in the film that would possibly give offence; and if by Indian standards its ethics are questionable then this indeed a very sad reflection on Indian standards of morality. I can make no direct comparison in the English scene. The nearest similarity I supposed is our treatment of Churchill both in literature and film. It was only when the film-makers and the writers gently suggested that our idol has feet of clay, that Churchill achieved that extra dimension of humanity.

If anything can give dignity to the Indian way of life and thought, it is a film like “Samskara”. It is a film of which India should be very proud. It is without doubt, a festival film, and as such would contribute greatly to Indian status in the film-making industry. India cannot afford to censor such a film. The backlash from the rest of the world, apart from its own people, could be painful and humiliating. The Board of Censors, in passing such a film, should show the same quality of courage and imagination, that the film-makers have shown in making it.

(Courtesy: Hat's Off Pattabhi)