Feb 22, 2026 1:18pm IST
Sudipto Sen’s ‘Charak’ Stuck As Central Board Of Film Certification Denies Clearance Without Explanation
Sudipto Sen, director of The Kerala Story, is back in the headlines after facing fresh trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). His next production, "Charak," slated for a March 6, 2026 release, is stuck in the certification process, as the filmmaker revealed that the board has refused to grant the film certification. Sen said he has received no explanation for the denial.
Sen revealed that the team was not given any clear indication or reasoning by the CBFC for denying certification to "Charak." This has left the project stuck in limbo, with no clarity on when or whether certification will be granted. According to the director, the film is a matter-of-fact documentation of occult practices that are prevalent within certain Hindu cultural groups.
Related Stories
As per News18, Sen said the CBFC advised several cuts to "Charak," specifically scenes depicting cannibalism, but offered no explanation for why those changes were required. He said, “I genuinely do not have a clear idea why the clearance was denied. I am willing to even opt for certain cuts and sacrifice some visuals for the film’s sake. But now the bigger question is looming over my film itself. At this juncture, I can only be hopeful. In our last meeting, I was told the film would be evaluated sympathetically. We have presented documented material, not fiction. However, truth is always uncomfortable.”
Sen added that the intent of "Charak" is not to provoke anyone but rather to expose unlawful and superstitious practices. “If something illegal is happening in the name of faith, should cinema look away? My work is to bring facts before society. Even though I do not know the reasons for such resistance, ideological or otherwise, the first and basic response to the film did not seem encouraging to me. However, after the release of the teaser, I got a huge response from my well-wishers,” he said.
"Charak" directed by Amarnath Jha and Shiladitya Moulik stars Anjali Patil, Sahidur Rahaman, Subrat Dutta, Shashi Bhushan, Nalneesh Neel, Shankhadeep and Shounak Shyamal. As of now, the film remains slated for a theatrical release on March 6, pending certification.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.