Shankar's 'Imsai Arasan Pulikesi 23rd' in trouble

Director Shankar, the producer of the historical film `Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi' finds himself in a piquant situation with the Animal Welfare Board of India standing in the way of the release of the much awaited comical film.

Scheduled for a May 19th release, the film still remains canned as the Regional Censor Board has not cleared it. The reason: the producer has used several horses and other animals in the film without obtaining permission from the Animal Welfare Board of India.

Under the 2001 guidelines laid down by AWBI and the subsequent amendments made in 2002, certain animals and birds are not to be used in films without producers obtaining prior permission of the AWBI one month before the shooting starts. It is also laid down that veterinary doctors should be present on the sets during shootings to ensure that the animals are treated properly and taken well care of.

According to Shankar, he was not aware of the rules and guidelines governing the use of animals in films.

However, the censor board insists on production of a no-objection certificate from AWBI by Shankar so that the censor board could clear the film without hassles. Shankar is understood to have already moved the AWBI in this regard, but the AWBI has not taken any action, notwithstanding the fact that a court has ordered release of the NOC and referred the issue to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests under which AWBI functions.

Dr. Balasubramanian , Secretary, AWBI, Chennai, told media persons that AWBI has referred the film to the Government of India and is awaiting its reply.

He hinted that considering the fact that the producer has invested huge money in the project, the issue can be sorted out if an undertaking is given by the producer stating that such mistakes would not be made in future. There were cases like Shankar's where the AWBI had given permission after obtaining the undertaking from the producers.

The problem as faced by Shankar has dogged as many as 63 films all over the country and their release dates are uncertain.

AWBI has taken the stand that it is only concerned about the welfare of the animals. "We (AWBI) expect them (film-makers) to be a little considerate to animals," Dr. Balasubramanian said and added that the problem could be resolved to some extent if the producers change their attitude and try to interact with animal activists serving on the Censor Board.

In the circumstances, no one associated with `Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi' can say with confidence when the film will see the day of light.

Directed by debutant Simbhudevan, comedian Vadivelu plays the lead role. Featured with him are Monica, Nanditha and Tejashree. The music was scored by Sabesh Murali and lyrics by Pulamai Pithan.

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Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi