Muslim World Report

Censorship in India: The Battle for Creative Freedom Intensifies

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Mar 30, 2025 9:16 AM | 7 min read | 1437 words

TL;DR: The censorship faced by the film Empuraan illustrates a troubling trend in India, where right-wing extremism threatens artistic integrity and freedom of expression. This blog post discusses the implications of this trend for filmmakers, artists, and society, emphasizing the need for solidarity and proactive measures to reclaim creative freedom.

The Chilling Effect of Censorship in India: A Call for Creative Freedom

The recent controversy surrounding the film Empuraan highlights a deeply troubling trend in India—a pervasive culture of censorship fueled by right-wing extremism. Following intense backlash from Hindu nationalist groups, the filmmakers made the unprecedented decision to excise over 17 scenes and alter the name of the antagonist, despite having initially secured clearance from the censor board. This capitulation raises urgent questions about artistic integrity and freedom of expression in a democracy that professes to uphold these values.

  • The actions of the Kerala BJP and similar factions are emblematic of a broader strategy aimed at silencing narratives that challenge their hegemonic ideologies.
  • Censorship often mirrors patterns seen globally, where authoritarian regimes curtail artistic freedom to legitimize their political stances (Banu Karaca, 2011; Childs, 1998).

This incident is not isolated; it signifies a substantial shift within the Indian cultural landscape, where filmmakers, artists, and comedians increasingly find themselves coerced into self-censorship. The case of Empuraan carries severe implications not only for the film industry but for society as a whole:

  1. Diversity of Thought: When creative freedom is compromised to appease extremist viewpoints, the public sphere constricts, restricting the diversity of thought essential for a healthy democracy.
  2. Precedent for Censorship: This establishes a perilous precedent whereby only ideologically acceptable content is sanctioned, stifling critical discourse and marginalizing dissenting voices.

Moreover, this trend adversely impacts the global perception of India as a vibrant democracy. The erosion of free speech and artistic expression could deter foreign investments in the Indian entertainment industry and curtail cultural exchanges that enrich national identity (Eburne, 1997). The chilling effect of censorship transcends local boundaries, influencing how other nations assess India’s commitment to democratic ideals. If this authoritarian impulse remains unchecked, it may fundamentally reshape the landscape of cultural production, relegating critical perspectives to obscurity while elevating a homogenized narrative that serves the interests of those in power (Motoyama, 1995).

What If Empuraan Was Left Intact?

Had the filmmakers of Empuraan chosen to retain all 17 cut scenes and preserve the original antagonist’s name, they could have made a powerful statement about creative integrity and the importance of artistic freedom. Such a bold stance might have:

  • Galvanized a broader conversation about free expression in India.
  • Inspired a movement among artists and intellectuals to reclaim their rights to express dissenting opinions.
  • Solidified public support for the filmmakers, uniting various segments of society against the rise of censorship.

The potential for solidarity highlights the significance of collective identity in social movements. According to scholars like Francesca Polletta and James M. Jasper (2001), collective identity fosters a shared understanding among participants, enabling them to mobilize effectively against oppression. Upholding the original content could have:

  • Inspired others in the film industry to resist pressures from extremist groups.
  • Fostered a culture prioritizing critical dialogue over compliance.

However, adopting such a courageous stance would not come without risks. The filmmakers could have faced severe retaliation, potentially exposing them to:

  • Threats, violence, or financial sabotage.
  • Escalated tensions in an already polarized society, leading to increased protests or online vitriol.

Nevertheless, the long-term benefits of standing firm against censorship may outweigh these immediate consequences, paving the way for a more open and honest cultural dialogue in India.

What If the Judiciary Becomes a Tool for Censorship?

The Bombay High Court’s recent ruling allowing a Hindu organization to honor Pragya Singh Thakur, despite her controversial status, underscores the precarious balance between freedom of expression and judicial overreach. If the judiciary continues favoring the free expression of ideologues while suppressing dissent, it risks establishing a legal framework that marginalizes critical voices. Such a development could:

  • Normalize hate speech and the veneration of figures associated with communal violence.
  • Create an environment where dissenting opinions are not just silenced but vilified (Kaya, 2018).

Consequently, the very foundation of democratic discourse could be jeopardized. The implications for minority communities, particularly Muslims and other marginalized groups, could be dire, as their voices become increasingly muted in both cultural and legal arenas. The judiciary could shift from being a protector of rights to an enabler of suppression, fundamentally altering the relationship between the state and its citizens (Whitman, 2004).

What If Public Outrage Fuels a Counter-Movement?

In response to the censorship surrounding Empuraan, a counter-movement advocating for creative freedom could emerge among progressive artists and activists. Leveraging social media and grassroots organizing, this movement could generate public momentum for substantial reforms within the film industry and beyond. Possible actions include:

  • Public demonstrations
  • Panel discussions
  • Artistic responses, ranging from online campaigns to independent films

If this counter-movement gains traction, it could inspire solidarity across various artistic mediums, empowering creators to express their truths without fear of reprisal.

The ripple effects of this movement could extend to legislative changes, with calls for stronger protections for freedom of expression in artistic endeavors. Public pressure might lead to the establishment of independent oversight bodies tasked with safeguarding creative integrity against politically motivated censorship. Ideally, this scenario could represent a pivotal moment in India’s cultural evolution, marking a return to a more inclusive public discourse that values diverse opinions and narratives.

Strategic Maneuvers: A Path Forward

For filmmakers, artists, and cultural advocates in India, strategic responses to the current climate of censorship are essential. Key actions include:

  • Forming coalitions across artistic disciplines to amplify voices that challenge the status quo (Belfiore & Bennett, 2007).
  • Engaging with legal experts and human rights organizations to establish legal protections for artists.
  • Advocating for policies that enshrine artistic freedom in law to counterbalance recent judicial trends favoring extremist narratives.
  • Utilizing digital platforms to disseminate their work globally, circumventing traditional censorship mechanisms.

Finally, educating the public about the importance of creative freedom is essential for cultivating a more informed and engaged citizenry. Workshops, seminars, and community discussions can empower individuals to recognize the value of diverse perspectives in art and media. Engaging young audiences in conversations about censorship and creative integrity will be vital for nurturing a new generation of artists who prioritize freedom of expression.

The implications of filmmakers and artists resisting censorship are profound. The act of creating and distributing work that challenges prevailing narratives not only contributes to a vibrant cultural landscape but also fortifies the very tenets of democracy that underpin society. By fostering dialogues that encompass a multitude of perspectives, artists can further enrich public discourse, ensuring that diverse narratives are not only heard but celebrated.

In confronting censorship, artists hold a mirror to society, reflecting its complexities and contradictions. The backlash against Empuraan serves as a microcosm of a larger struggle against oppressive ideologies that seek to dictate what stories are told and by whom. As filmmakers navigate this treacherous terrain, the potential for resistance lies not only in preserving their narratives but in galvanizing public support to reshape the cultural landscape towards one that champions free expression and diversity.

As of March 30, 2025, the landscape of Indian cinema and artistic expression remains at a crucial juncture. The actions and responses from artists, filmmakers, and the public will ultimately determine whether the tide of censorship can be stemmed. Whether through coalition-building, grassroots activism, or leveraging digital platforms, each step taken can build momentum towards a broader movement advocating for artistic freedom and social justice.

References

Banu Karaca (2011). Images delegitimized and discouraged: Explicitly political art and the arbitrariness of the unspeakable. New Perspectives on Turkey. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0896634600001345

Childs, E. C. (1998). Suspended license: censorship and the visual arts. Choice Reviews Online. https://doi.org/10.5860/choice.35-4301

Eburne, J. P. (1997). Trafficking in the Void: Burroughs, Kerouac, and the Consumption of Otherness. Modern Fiction Studies. https://doi.org/10.1353/mfs.1997.0005

Kaya, A. (2018). Right-wing populism and Islamophobism in Europe and their impact on Turkey–EU relations. Turkish Studies. https://doi.org/10.1080/14683849.2018.1499431

Meyers, S. (2018). How Canadian Intelligence is Exposed to the Impact of Globalization: A Critical Analysis of the Security Threat of Right-Wing Extremism. The Journal of Intelligence Conflict and Warfare. https://doi.org/10.21810/jicw.v1i2.637

Motoyama, M. (1995). The Literature and Politics of Abe Kobo: Farewell to Communism in Suna no Onna. Monumenta Nipponica. https://doi.org/10.2307/2385547

Polletta, F., & Jasper, J. M. (2001). Collective Identity and Social Movements. Annual Review of Sociology. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.soc.27.1.283

Whitman, J. Q. (2004). The Two Western Cultures of Privacy: Dignity versus Liberty. The Yale Law Journal. https://doi.org/10.2307/4135723

Belfiore, E., & Bennett, O. (2007). RETHINKING THE SOCIAL IMPACTS OF THE ARTS. International Journal of Cultural Policy. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286630701342741

← Prev Next →