The law comes down heavily on sleazy films

Komal Nahta

The 'bits' - happy producers and distributors of films, aiming to provide titillation to the cinegoers, may have to bite the dust.

The state authorities in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are coming down heavily on sleazy films.

There have already been raids on many cinema halls in the two states. The authorities are seizing prints of such films, sending them to the CBFC for verification and taking action against the erring producers, distributors and exhibitors screening them.

However, no action is reportedly being taken in Bombay.

As recently as on January 2, the police swooped on a cinema in Dhulia which was screening Kunwari Dulhan with 'bits' or, what is technically, uncensored portions. The police not only seized the film's print along with the 'bits' but also took the audience numbering 320 into custody!

In Madhya Pradesh, the licences of three cinemas in Indore - Starlit, Shree Krishna and Praful - have been suspended for showing obscene films and the cinema halls are closed since the last three weeks.

In fact, these reports are coming from many places.

The police raided Krishna cinema, Shajapur, and a print with bits was seized. At Rajshri Talkies, a print was seized and licence was suspended last week. Darshan, Ratlam was raided and a print was seized. All the viewers were arrested. Amar, Sehore was raided and a print was seized last week. Apsara, Bhopal was raided on January 20, and a print was seized from there. Viewers were arrested and the cinema's licence was suspended.

One excise officer was reportedly suspended for obvious reasons. There is panic among the distributors and producers of such dubious films!

A sure sign that the law machinery means real business where 'bits' are concerned.