FilmIndia (1939)

Filmindia Again On The Floor Of The Central Assembly Govt, of India Thinks "Gunga Din" "Harmless" Without Seeing It And Yet The Bengal Govt. Bans The Picture Mr. S. Satyamurti Heckles The Hon. Sir Reginald Maxwell Mr. S. Satyamurti: Will the Honourable the iome Member please state: (a) Whether his attention has been drawn to [f.e article in the columns of the "Film India" of Febliary, 1938, on the anti-Indian film "Gunga Din" roduced by the R.K.O. Radio Pictures of America; (b) Whether Government have got any information that this film is distinctly anti-Indian; and (c) Whether Government propose to take any Ltlon to draw the attention of the British Embassy I Washington to this film and stop the production jr the release of this film? The Honourable Sir Reginald Maxwell replied: (a) Yes. (b) My information is that this is not the case (c) Does not arise. SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS EXAGGERATED BUT EXCISIONS HAD TO BE MADE Mr. Satyamurti: May I know whether my Hoourable friend has perused the article referred to in ause (a) of the question, and, secondly, what is the lformation on which he has come to the conclusion pat this film is not definitely anti-Indian? The Hon. Sir Reginald Maxwell: In answer to le first part of the Honourable Member's supplementary question, I have looked through the article 1 question and I think it takes an exaggerated view f the objectionable nature of the film. With regard ) the second part of his supplementary question, we ave made unofficial inquiries from the India Office ) find out whether they have examined it. The onourable Member knows that they take great care ) get into touch with any films likely to be offensive ) Indian sentiment and in this particular case they ly there is nothing objectionable in it, after a few ccisions which were made at their instance. Mr. S. Satyamurti: May I know whether the Gov•nment of India have seen or been informed of these tcisions and are they satisfied now that the film, s it is to be released, is not anti-Indian? The Hon. Sir Reginald Maxwell: The Governient of India cannot see these films at the time of ie production. I am speaking of their exhibition in ngland. When they come to India, they come be>re the Boards of Film Censors who examine them ad cut out anything likely to be offensive. Mr. S. Satyamurti: In view of the fact that antiIndian films are more poisonous outside India than inside India, will the Government of India take some steps to see that the India Office does examine these films with these excisions and satisfies itself and satisfies the Government of India that these films, with these excisions, are not anti-Indian? The Hon. Sir Reginald Maxwell: As I have informed the Honourable Member, that has already been done and the film, as it stands after certain excisions, is regarded as inoffensive. Mr. S. Satyamurti: By whom — the Secretary of State, the India Office, or somebody on behalf of the Government of India? JUDGED BY ENGLISHMEN BUT NOT BY INDIANS ; The Hon. Sir Reginald Maxwell: By Officers of the India Office, who have examined it. Mr. Satyamurti: Was there any Indian on that Committee or an Indian present at the examination of the film? It is a matter of Indian sentiment and I put it to the Government that they should take steps to secure Indian criticism of this film? Have they done sc? The Hon. Sir Reginald Maxwell: The India Office represent Indian interests in this matter; and as the Honourable Member knows, the Government of India are always very insistent on the point, and so is the Secretary of State. Not so long ago, I had occasion to mention it in reference to "The Relief of Lucknow", the production of which owing to the action of the India Office was stopped. Mr. Lalchand Navalrai: May I know if there is any organization on behalf of the Government of India or the British Government in America to help the censors in respect of Indian pictures before they are sent to England or elsewhere? The Hon. Sir Reginald Maxwell: I was going to explain that in answer to the next question on the paper. THE "DRUM" BEATEN AGAIN IN THE ASSEMBLY Mr. S. Satyamurti: Will the Honourable the Home Member please state: (a) Whether Government are aware that the film "Drum" was banned by several Provincial Governments some months ago; (b) Whether Government have taken any action against the producer of the above film, as the film is 33