Lord Curzon Ki Haveli | Film’s Makers Unhappy With A Certificate; Director Anusham Jha REACTS: It Needs…

After a challenging journey through the certification process, Anshuman Jha's directorial debut, "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli," has successfully secured a release with an 'A' rating from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The certification comes after a four-month dialogue with the CBFC, resulting in three compulsory edits, one of which includes the muting or removal of certain curse words by a female character, despite the film's adult rating. This decision, along with the board's issues with the film's bilingual nature, has left Jha somewhat dissatisfied.

"Lord Curzon Ki Haveli" stands out as a black comedy thriller that has gained international recognition, especially highlighted by its selection as the only Indian film at Europe's esteemed Razor Reel Flanders in 2024 and Anshuman Jha's win for "Best Director" at the UK Asian Film Festival 2024. This film's journey on the international festival circuit underscores its global appeal and the anticipation surrounding its release.

The film's acclaim isn't limited to its direction alone; it showcases performances by a stellar cast, including International Emmy nominee Arjun Mathur, Rasika Dugal, Paresh Pahuja, and Tanmay Dhanania. "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli" delves into themes of identity and immigration, reflecting the experiences of Asians in the UK. This narrative, coupled with its atmospheric storytelling, has resonated widely with audiences and critics alike.

A Cinematic Tribute

Renowned for its unique cinematographic technique, "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli" is celebrated as the first mainstream Indian feature film shot entirely using a single 35mm lens. This inventive approach, influenced by Anshuman Jha's admiration for Alfred Hitchcock's work, was executed by French Cinematographer Jean Marc Selva. The film's visual style pays homage to classical filmmaking, earning it accolades for both its visual appeal and narrative depth.

The film's script, crafted by award-winning writer Bikas Mishra, and its production by Golden Ratio Films, Adya Films UK, and First Ray Films, have further elevated its status in the cinematic world. Since its global premiere in Australia, "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli" has garnered numerous awards, including "Star of Asia" for Rasika Dugal at CSAFF Chicago and "Best Actor" for Arjun Mathur at UKAFF London, solidifying its impact on audiences and critics.

Anshuman Jha shared his relief and thoughts on the film's certification process, stating, "It's a relief that we finally have the certification. The journey hasn't been easy, but we remained committed to the film we wanted to showcase. Not only was the delay too long, but to then get an A certification and to cut and mute scenes. There are other films that get away with UA having worse expletives and violence. While I'm ok to follow the rules, it needs to be standardized."

With its global acclaim and after overcoming hurdles in the certification process, "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli" is highly anticipated among audiences. The film's journey from conception to screen highlights the dedication of its creators to preserving their artistic vision and showcases the film as a significant contribution to Indian cinema.