The maker of the film 'MSG: Messenger of God' may have many gods in his name, but he will now have to apply to the appellate tribunal of the Central Board of Film Certification, also called Censor Board, to get his film released. The Censor Board's revising committee has refused to clear the film and has referred it to the appellate tribunal saying it may cause law and order problems, among other reasons.
The film stars Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan, the head of Dera Sacha Sauda, a socio-spiritual organisation. He is also the writer and director. Nandini Sardesai, a member of the revising committee (RC), said, "We have referred the film to the tribunal as we felt the film may cause law and order problems. It also promotes superstition and blind faith."
The committee also felt that the film would hurt religious sentiments, and took umbrage to the title of the film. Sardesai added, "There is an unscientific attitude that reflects in the film. Besides, there are times when he calls himself god, which is highly objectionable."
It should be recalled that the examining committee of the Censor Board had rejected the film, claiming that the baba was promoting himself as god and performing miracles without substantiation. An examining committee member had said, "Singh has shown himself as god and the film looks like more of an advertisement. Besides, some scenes show miracles taking place, which are not substantiated by logic."
The filmmaker will now have to apply separately with the tribunal, in order to get his film released. None of the people involved in the film were available for comment.
