Sahiya Producer Sanjay Sharma Muffed With CBFC Over Naxalism Promotion Claims; Claps Back

Sanjay Sharma, producer of Sahiya, is facing hurdles in securing a censor certificate for the film. Set against the forests and tribal communities of Chhattisgarh, the film tells a love story but has reportedly faced objections from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over alleged links to Naxalism. Expressing his displeasure over the objections, Sharma maintained that the film neither promotes nor supports Naxalism and, in fact, is firmly against violence.

He also said that if the review committee does not approve the film, he will approach the court, expressing confidence that the judiciary will review and approve it. Scroll down to read the full story.

Sahiya Producer Sanjay Sharma Hits Back At CBFC Over Naxalism Objections

Speaking to IANS, Sanjay Sharma dismissed the allegations of Naxalism as completely false. He said, “Sahiya is a beautiful love story that depicts the love story of a tribal man caught between the conflict between Naxalism and the police. The film’s purpose is not to portray or support Naxalism. Rather, in the film, an ordinary man cries out to a Naxalite that violence is not the solution to any problem. The entire film is based on love and human relationships, so linking it to Naxalism is beyond my understanding.”

Sharma further explained why he chose to shoot the film on location in Chhattisgarh. He said, “The film was shot in the forests and tribal areas of Chhattisgarh. I deliberately shot the film on real locations so that the story would not appear artificial. If the film depicts forests, waterfalls, rivers, and tribal homes, it was necessary to use real locations. Now, I feel that this very location has become a problem for the film. If a filmmaker goes to tribal areas and makes a film while understanding the people and their lives, he should be encouraged, not his film should be viewed with suspicion for this reason.”

Sanjay Sharma On CBFC Statement

The producer also recalled a conversation with a senior official from the Censor Board, who allegedly told him that the film would have received a certificate immediately had it been shot in Uttar Pradesh. Reacting to the statement, Sharma said, “I was surprised to hear this. If the story and the film are the same, how can a change in the shooting location change the meaning of the film? A film shot in Uttar Pradesh doesn’t show Naxalism in it, but if the same film is questioned because it was shot in tribal and sometimes Naxal-affected areas like Jharkhand or Chhattisgarh, then it is a matter of concern. I am worried that due to such thinking, tribal areas may be excluded from film shooting.”

Sharma also raised concerns over the delay in the film’s review by the committee. He said, “My film was supposed to be screened before the review committee within five days, but it was screened after approximately 21 days. Such delays cause significant problems for artists and producers involved in regional cinema. Filmmaking requires money, the actors and entire team work, and release planning. However, delays in certification impact the entire system.”

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