'S Durga' director's open letter to PM Modi, decides not send film for National Awards

Director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has decided not to submit his film "S Durga" for the National Film Awards as he believes "a judicious decision" will not be taken regarding the movie.

Sanal's decision comes after the film was unceremoniously dropped from the Indian Panorama section of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) last year.

"... This film ('S Durga') could have been made a strong mark in the coming National Film Awards and be a contender for the awards. But, most painfully and with much resentment, I had to take a decision not to send my film to the National Film Awards.

"You (PM) may not know the circumstances that led to my decision. I don't even know whether you will get to read this letter. But, I am writing this only in the belief that it is my duty as a citizen who loves the democratic set up and plurality of existence in this country to proclaim this aloud.

The filmmaker said he has decided to not send the film for National Awards "in the light of personal experiences, that a judicious decision will not be taken in the case of my film."
Sanal added that "instead of protecting the artistes and thinkers who advance different notions and discussion points, the Government under you always go to court with arguments supporting the outcries from mobs."