Charak vs censors: Producer Sudipto Sen says art shouldn't be restricted

Filmmaker Sudipto Sen's upcoming film Charak faces censorship challenges, but he firmly believes art should not be restricted. He trusts the maturity of Indian audiences.

Filmmaker Sudipto Sen is gearing up for the release of his next film, Charak, on March 6. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Sen said the film has its roots in real incidents. He also spoke about the controversy surrounding Charak, and his views on censorship.

Charak draws from the ancient Charak festival, which dates back to the time of Lord Buddha. Originally observed as a Buddhist festival, it later became associated with Hindu traditions and is celebrated across eastern India – Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha and Jharkhand – during the month of Chaitra, shared Sen.

Addressing whether the film is fictional or based on real events, Sen was clear.

“It is based on real incidents. The inspiration came from a short story written by Sanjay Haldar, based on a true event. After reading it, I felt compelled to adapt it into a film,” he said.

The filmmaker emphasised the depth of preparation behind the project. “We conducted extensive research and gathered historical material to ensure authenticity. Some people may find it hard to believe that such events can still happen today, especially in cities like Mumbai. But our research backs the story completely.”

Even before its release, Charak has run into trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over alleged themes in the story that suggest human sacrifice. Sen, however, believes the backlash is misplaced.