Sudipto Sen Says Art Should Not Be Restricted Amid Charak Censorship Row

Filmmaker Sudipto Sen has spoken out amid controversy surrounding his upcoming film Charak, which is scheduled for release on March 6. The producer-director has defended the film’s content and questioned the need for restrictions on artistic expression, saying he trusts the maturity of Indian audiences.

A Story Rooted in Real Incidents

According to Sen, Charak is inspired by real events and draws from a short story written by Sanjay Haldar. The narrative is linked to the historical Charak festival, which traces its origins to the time of Lord Buddha and is observed in parts of eastern India, including West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, and Jharkhand during the month of Chaitra.

Sen emphasised that the film is not fictional fantasy but grounded in research. He stated that extensive historical material was studied to ensure authenticity. “Some people may find it hard to believe that such incidents could still occur, especially in urban spaces. But our research supports the story completely,” he said.

Censorship Concerns and CBFC Scrutiny

The film has reportedly faced objections from the Central Board of Film Certification over themes allegedly suggesting human sacrifice. Sen described the controversy as unnecessary and clarified that disclaimers in the film clearly separate superstition from religion.

“Faith is personal. No religion asks for child sacrifice,” he said, adding that he feels there is often heightened scrutiny when filmmakers step outside conventional narratives.

Without directly criticising authorities, Sen suggested that creative works are sometimes judged prematurely. He argued that debates around films often begin before audiences have even watched them.

Trust in the Audience

Sen expressed confidence in Indian viewers, stating that audiences today consume intense and complex content on digital platforms. Referring to the Netflix series Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich, he noted that viewers are exposed to emotionally disturbing material globally.

“If audiences can handle such content, why question their maturity over a few scenes in my film?” he asked.

On Creative Freedom

The filmmaker also questioned the relevance of censorship in the digital era. With widespread internet access, he believes formal censorship has limited practical impact. Instead, he advocated for self-regulation guided by an artist’s conscience.

“In a modern democracy, art should not be restricted. Classification by age is understandable, but preventing storytelling is not,” Sen said.

After The Kerala Story

Following the debate around his previous film The Kerala Story, Sen maintained that his commitment to telling uncomfortable truths remains unchanged. He stated that Charak was developed over two to three years and was not rushed into production.

As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen whether the censor board will clear the film without further changes. For now, Sen stands firm on his belief that audiences should decide the fate of art — not restrictions placed before it is even seen.