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Nungambakkam clears censors

Based on Swathy Kolai Vazhakku.

Noted filmmaker Ramesh Selvan’s Nungambakkam has been cleared by the censors with a U/A certificate. The film, originally titled Swathy Kolai Vazhakku, is based on the sensational murder of techie Swathy at Nungambakkam railway station by stalker Ramkumar two years ago. The film not only faced objections from Swathy’s parents but was also embroiled in a row with the censors. And the film maker had to pay a very heavy price for it. He had to change the entire script as well as the names of the characters as well as the title to Nungambakkam.

Speaking at the trailer launch of Nungambakkam, Vishal president of Tamil Film Producers Council said, “I have attended an event connected with the film when it had Swathy Kolai Vazhakku as its title. It is rechristened as Nungambakkam. I don’t understand what the need was for changing the title and who is pressurising the makers? Who are you afraid of? Is it the Censor Board or any other association?”

He added, “To portray real characters, real events and real stories happening in our society on screen, I don’t know why filmmakers or producers should face so many restraints. RK Selvamani’s Kuttrapatthirigai, which was based on true incidents (Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination) faced similar predicaments and never saw the light of the day.”

Vishal feels there’s freedom of speech in online platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime etc. than in films. “You don’t have censor problems and you can voice out the facts without fear on online platforms. In fact, I asked Selvamani if he has the negative of Kuttra… so that he can screen it on streaming platform as a series. Unfortunately, it is not available.”

Reacting to Vishal, Ramesh revealed, “I had to face innumerable problems and threats while filming this movie which was based on a real life incident. I had to go hide myself in one place or the other. Except for going to jail, I had undergone several difficulties. So, I had no choice but to change the title and the script. Now, it’s a fictionalised account in a film with inspiration from true life.”

Ajmal plays the inspector from whose point of view the story is narrated. Hyra and Mano essay the lead characters.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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