Prakash Raj BACKS Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal, slams growing censorship in cinema

Prakash Raj has boldly come forward in support of Fawad Khan's upcoming film Abir Gulaal, challenging the reported ban on the film and warning of the increasing censorship in Indian cinema. In a candid conversation with The Lallantop, the actor didn’t hold back, expressing his concerns over the current climate where films are being banned or altered due to political pressures and public outrage.

Raj emphasized that banning films, irrespective of their political narrative, sets a dangerous precedent for the future of cinema. “I’m not for banning any film, whether it’s propaganda or not. Unless it’s promoting child abuse or pornography, why stop a film? Let people decide,” he remarked, addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding Abir Gulaal. Raj argued that the decision to ban a film should be left to the audience, as they are capable of making informed choices.

He also referenced past incidents like Padmaavat, Pathaan, and L2: Empuraan to highlight how the industry has been under siege—not just by censorship bodies, but by widespread fear and political influence. “Public sentiments are getting hurt at the drop of a hat,” Raj said, criticizing the hypersensitivity that has gripped the country.

Prakash further reflected on the backlash faced by Deepika Padukone for her portrayal in Padmaavat and Pathaan, recalling how people openly threatened violence over her costume or the colour of her skin. “People were out there saying, ‘I’ll chop off her nose,’ just over a costume or a colour,” he added, pointing out how such reactions are often disproportionate and fuelled by agenda-driven campaigns.

For Prakash, the issue goes beyond outrage—it’s a well-coordinated strategy to instill fear. “They want to create fear. Films aren’t being made. Central censorship has taken over,” he noted. According to the actor, this fear is slowly eroding freedom of expression, conditioning younger generations to self-censor even before they begin their creative journey.

In his discussion, Raj also cited the case of L2: Empuraan, which despite being cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), faced criticism for its depiction of the 2002 Godhra riots, leading to apologies and cuts from the filmmakers. Similarly, he pointed out how films like The Kashmir Files are released with minimal trouble, while others face harsh scrutiny and opposition.

“The problem becomes dangerous when the central government enables and amplifies that intolerance,” Raj concluded, warning against the concentration of power and its potential to silence voices in the industry.