<i>Kaadhal Arangam</i> blocked by censors

Monday, November 27, 2006
Velu Prabakaran, usually makes controversial films and his latest one is Kaadhal Arangam. His earlier trademark was extolling Periyar's thoughts and atheist policy, but in this film, he has taken on lust as his subject.

The heroine Shirley Das appears in many scenes without top dress. As it is, Velu Prabakaran had to deal with the Censor's hand for the trailer. This has now continued to the film. Because of the semi nudity in the film, the Censors have refused permission. It went to the revising committee and permission was denied there too. So, Velu Prabakaran has sent it to the tribunal.

What is the reason for this tough stand by the Censors? The answer is in the climax scenes. The hero of Kaadhal Arangam belongs to a high caste and the heroine to a low caste. Caste comes in the way and both of them decide to commit suicide. Before that, the heroine gives herself to the hero and she is seen in a semi clad state.

Velu Prabakaran argues that this is the most important scene. He has written the story and screenplay, but the film is directed by his brother Veluraja. The same scene with lip kiss was taken beautifully by K Balachander in Punnagai Mannan. For this, Velu Prabakaran replies, "Suppression is what causes a lot of sex crimes. That is not so in western countries, that's why they don't make a big deal about displaying the body. Here, just the lack of a davani has the audience all agog."

Good logic.... but the Censors don't understand!