FILM IS THE HIGHEST FORM OF COMMERCIAL ART: SATYAJIT RAY

Despite CBFC approval, State of West Bengal & Kolkata Police obstructed Director, Anik Datta’s ‘Future Ghosts’, from being exhibited. It had been duly released in Kolkata on 15.02.2019. By evening of 16.02.2019, without any communication from exhibitors, the film was abruptly and suddenly taken off most cinema halls. Today the film is off all the screens in Kolkata that are under jurisdiction of Kolkata Police. Tickets are available online only at Jayanti Cinema, Barrackpore. Anik Datta had previously directed, outstandingly successful, ‘Ghost’s Future’.

Supreme Court has ordered State of West Bengal to ensure screening of ‘Future Ghosts’ without obstruction or restraint of any kind whatsoever [Indibily Creative Pvt. Ltd. v. Govt. of West Bengal, Writ Petition (Civil) No. 306 of 2019].

25.03.2019

“Dr. Singhvi has placed a chart indicating, the film is presently running in ten theaters. Dr. Singhvi, on instructions which have been received by him, makes a specific statement, neither has the film been banned nor has recourse been taken to the powers contained in Section 6 of The West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1954 or Section 13 of The Cinematograph Act, 1952.

The chart which has been placed on record by Dr. Singhvi indicates, all theaters where the film is being screened are situated outside Kolkata.

We direct Principal Secretary, Department of Home, Government of West Bengal and Director General of Police to immediately issue communications to all theaters where the film was being originally screened intimating them, there is no ban on the screening of the film, and State shall take necessary steps for protecting properties of theater owners and safety of members of the public who wish to view the film.”

– Hon’ble Justice Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud, Indibily Creative Pvt. Ltd. v. Govt. of West Bengal, [Writ Petition (Civil) No. 306 of 2019].

Tickets are available online only at Jayanti Cinema, Barrackpore; Jaya Cinemas, Barasat and Jaya Cinema, Lake Town.

I had personally visited Inox, City Centre Mall, Salt Lake for enquiries. Ticket Counter Officials stated humbly, considering new movies have released, there is not much reason to release Anik Datta’s ‘Future Ghosts’; it shall presumably occasion differences that theaters are not keen to support even if Kolkata Police ensures safety in manners achievable.

11.04.2019

Tickets are available online at several cinema halls. Hon’ble Justice Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud quoted Gautam Bhatia [Rhodes Scholar]; ordered, “Petitioners have suffered a violation of their fundamental right to free speech and expression and of their right to pursue a lawful business; Respondents to pay to Petitioners: Rupees Twenty Lakhs [Rs. 20,00,000/-].”

Hon’ble Justice Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud noted, Bhobishyoter Bhoot [‘Future Ghosts’] has been “shortlisted in 2018 for ARFF International, Barcelona Jury Award.”