Political Pressure Forces Cancellation of Ritwik Ghatak Film Screening in South Kolkata
Views now correspondanr,Kolkata, February 11
A cultural event commemorating legendary filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak’s birth centenary faced abrupt cancellation in South Kolkata’s Nakatala area after alleged threats by Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters, reigniting debates over political censorship in West Bengal.
The local organization Setu, in collaboration with the Ritwik Memorial Trust, had scheduled a screening of Ghatak’s Komal Gandhar (1961) and Amar Lenin(1970) at Nakatala High School on February 10. However, TMC councilors and local syndicate members reportedly pressured school authorities to halt the event, citing objections to the film *Amar Lenin*, which references Soviet revolutionary Vladimir Lenin.
Clash Over Ideology
Sources claim the TMC’s opposition stemmed from the film’s titular mention of Lenin, a figure historically at odds with the party’s political stance. Nakatala High School’s principal initially granted permission but withdrew support on February 5 after alleged threats of vandalism. A school insider revealed, “The principal claimed he was unaware of the film titles during approval and cited external pressure.”
Organizers proposed screening only *Komal Gandhar*, but the school enforced a blanket ban. Local clubs also declined hosting the event, citing “political pressure.”
Connections to Jailed Minister Partha Chatterjee
The incident occurred in the neighborhood of former TMC minister Partha Chatterjee, currently jailed in a teacher recruitment scam. Critics allege the cancellation reflects the ruling party’s tightening grip on cultural expression.
Organizers Vow to Screen Films Publicly
Undeterred, *Setu* announced plans to host open-air screenings to reach wider audiences. “We will not bow to intimidation. Art must transcend politics,” a organizer stated.
Public Outcry and Implications
The incident has sparked outrage among intellectuals and locals, with many condemning it as an assault on cultural freedom. Social media buzz highlights concerns over rising censorship in Mamata Banerjee’s administration.
This incident underscores growing tensions between art and ideology in Bengal, raising critical questions about creative freedom under the TMC regime. As debates intensify, Ghatak’s legacy becomes a battleground for democratic expression.
