Actor Prakash Raj has voiced his concern over the decision to withhold the release of Abir Gulaal, a film starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actor Vaani Kapoor, in India. The film’s release was halted after the militant attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.
Addressing the issue, Prakash Raj condemned the culture of film bans, asserting his stance against such actions unless they involve extremely serious content. “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 further highlighted the increasing sensitivity in public reactions, stating that “public sentiments are getting hurt at the drop of a hat.” Citing several recent examples, he mentioned that films such as Padmaavat, Pathaan, L2: Empuraan, and Abir Gulaal have all been targets of public outrage leading to censorship or attempted bans.
Reflecting on the past, he brought up the controversies surrounding actor Deepika Padukone’s roles, adding, “People were out there saying, ‘I’ll chop off her nose,’ just over a costume or a colour.”
According to the actor, these instances no longer appear to be spontaneous expressions of outrage but instead resemble a planned approach to instill fear in the industry. “They want to create fear. Films aren’t being made. Central censorship has taken over. It’s not just state pressure now — it’s systematic,” he said, expressing his concern for the future of creative freedom. He warned that this environment could lead younger creators to restrain themselves even before their ideas fully develop.
Speaking about the situation surrounding Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan, he questioned the government’s selective response. “The Kashmir Files releases without trouble. Others? Not so lucky,” he remarked.
He also criticised what he perceives as the dangerous consolidation of power, saying, “When too much power is given to anyone, they become intolerable.”
Several recent films, including L2: Empuraan, Chhaava, Phule, and Abir Gulaal, have come under scrutiny or faced hurdles due to their treatment of historical or socio-political themes, prompting ongoing debate about censorship and creative liberty in Indian cinema.
