In the last few days, there have been attempts from various quarters – from Micky Pacheco to the Goa Government to some misguided groups - to ban the Bollywood Movie ‘Dum Maro Dum’. Some have even petitioned the Bombay High Court to meet their demands. The grounds for seeking such a ban are bizarre and ludicrous to say the least. Freedom of Expression is one of the cornerstones of a civilized liberal democracy. One of the fundamental duties of the State is to uphold and preserve these sacred principles. If we are not free to express ourselves, we are not free at all.
Voltaire, the great writer, has been quoted to have said, “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”. A State which is a destination center for showcasing Films from all across the globe can ill-afford to ban a movie on petty grounds. If we do that, we may end up making fools of ourselves and sending a wrong message to the World. This movie should be the least of our problems. Our reality is far more depressing. Our destinies are presently in the hands of politicians allegedly involved in sex scandals, molestations and drug trades. Our Policemen have been caught on camera striking deals with drug peddlers. Our agricultural lands are being converted and sold left, right and center. There is crime and corruption happening all over.The list goes on. I have seen the promos of the movie and I find all the objections unjustified and unsustainable. The Official trailer begins with the punch line "Goa is a heaven but even in heaven there are snakes and they bite (translated)" From the Plot synopsis, I am inferring that the snakes could refer to the Politicians and the drug syndicates that are operating here. This means that this movie – like Naseruddin Shah’s ‘Jalwa’ - is an attempt to expose all the evils that are happening here. Not to project Goa in bad light. Artists are creative people who think outside the box. In their efforts to entertain us, they may at times offend us, strike us where it hurts, and get us out of our comfort zones. That is what art is supposed to be as a medium. A Film likewise is a work of Art. Painstaking efforts go into the production of each Film. Huge money is put at stake. Hundreds of Artists are involved in the whole process. A lot of creative thoughts and energies are involved. So let us be considerate to our Artists. Our society needs to grow up and learn to be more tolerant. One man’s food is another man’s poison. What is offensive to one may be entertaining to another so let the audience be the best judge of this movie. A ban is not the solution. Let better sense prevail! Cheers, Sandeep Heble 9326129171
