Sikkim | For Sake Of Art | Hammers High

Films can be a medium of propaganda. Over years, different governments supported films with underlying reasons which were explicit but not discussed openly. The Birth Of A Nation, Triumph Of The Will and Why We Fight are well known propaganda films for artistic brilliance. Many would count Casablanca in the list as well. These films show and glorify things which might not be agreeable to certain sections but their disagreement should not restrict a willing audience who might want to see the brilliance of cinema beyond the points of argument. Sikkim, made by legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, was banned for similar reasons.

 

Commissioned by The Chogyals – royals of Sikkim before Sikkim was merged with Indian Union – Ray made a documentary about the kingdom. As Chogyals believed, Sikkim was shown as a sovereign. This fine point was the reason of ban when Sikkim became a part of nation. Ray strongly believed that the film was a part of history and should not have been banned. There were two prints available – one in US with Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and one in UK with BFI. Film has been showcased abroad and lauded. Richard Attenborough, a British film legend, termed it as a personal favorite.

 

In November 2010, Indian Government lifted the ban and was showcased at Kolkata Film Festival. However, only one show was opened for public as an interim order by Sikkim Court forced organizers to suspend remaining shows. There might be legal and diplomatic reasons but for art sake the film should be made available. As a country, we should be able to accept the opinion which doesn’t fit a norm. Banning films is not a solution. It creates a monster. It does.