Ashok Chavan assures Bollywood of 'only one censor'

Mumbai, March 16 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan Tuesday said his government would "ensure that there is only one censor, the Censor Board" for the film and entertainment industry.

In a reference to the controversy over the release of Shah Rukh Khan's "My Name Is Khan" last month, Chavan said the government would not "succumb to any external opposition" to the release of a film and would ensure the right of the people to see films of their choice.

Chavan was speaking after inaugurating the three-day mega media industry event Frames-2010, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI) here.

"When things go beyond a point, it is the duty of the government and the people to uphold the constitution and protect the democratic rights of the people," Chavan said without referring by name to the Shiv Sena which had led the violent agitation against the SRK movie last month.

The Shiv Sena had aggressively opposed the release of the movie all over the state and its activists had also damaged several cinema halls. However, the people thumbed their noses at the Sena and MNIK became one of Bollywood's biggest hits.

Making a reference to the observations of FICCI's senior vice-president Harsh C. Mariwala, Chavan said the real need was to "enforce the existing anti-piracy laws", and assured the state and central governments' commitment to give full protection to the rights of film producers and ensure that their innovative spirit was not trampled upon by piracy.

Chavan also released the FICCI-KPMG report on Indian entertainment industry and the FICCI-Amarchand Mangaldas Law Book.

Delivering a special keynote address, Fox Filmed Entertainment chairman and CEO James Nicholas Gianopulos urged the film-makers to "act global and think local, and learn from everybody".

Stressing ng that great stories and talent have no borders, Gianopulos advised film makers to make a film for someone or make it for everyone, know the difference and determine the risk and reward. Click the Movie button below for more info:
My Name is Khan