[Reader-list] Between patriotism and sedition

[Sudeep K S]

Its funny. Going around killing politicians and ministers is
patriotism (RDB style), but showing Lal Salaam is an offence.

I know-- Lal Salaam was no Oscar material. This film (that had Nandita
Das in the one of the lead roles) was released way back in 2002 if I
remember right, and hardly anyone noticed it. But if one can go to
jail for showing a film that is cleared by cencors (and was released
in cinemas), may be one should see it. (What about a re-release? RDB
is supposed to have re-released this Republic day, don't know if it
happened).

"Exhibiting this picture attracts the offence of "sedition" for which
six Kui tribal cultural activists of Adva under Gajpati district of
Orissa were sent to jail on 23rd Sept 2006.." [From a mail quoted in G
P Ramachandran's blog, SEDITION-ORISSA STYLE].

Later in the mail it says,
"It is said by the police that the film is on the maoist activities,
which is a banned organisation as declared under the Criminal Law
Amendment Act-1908.."

Mm.. so no more "criminal activities" in movies.. no killing, no
theft, no underworld..? It does not really seem so-- a certain RGV
need not worry.

[I look up for the meaning of the word sedition, and find this: "1.
incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government. 2. any
action, esp. in speech or writing, promoting such discontent or
rebellion.."]

Well, so is it just that we have no more rebels?

Not quite. The message seems to be clear -- if you want to rebel it is
fine, do it the apolitical RDB way. I guess even a Yuva would pass, as
long as the concerns of the film does not disturb the power brigade
that still consists of the feudal lords. Definitely no Lal Salaam!

[posted at http://sudeepsdiary.blogspot.com/2007/01/between-patriotism-and-sedition.html
]