Ministry of defence wants to vet films on Army

NEW DELHI: In what may be perceived as unwarranted censorship in a democratic country, the armed forces now want to preview all films, documentaries and web series made on them to check for distortions that may hurt the sentiments of serving personnel and veterans.
The defence ministry has written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as well as the ministries of information and broadcasting and electronics and information technology in this regard after receiving complaints about the “portrayal of Army personnel and military uniforms in an insulting manner” in some films.
The letter, sent on July 27, said some production houses “are using content distorting the image” of the armed forces. “Therefore, the producers of movies/web series etc based on Army themes may be advised to obtain no-objection certificates from the MoD before the telecast of any such movie/documentary,” it said.
The MoD had received some complaints raising objections about the portrayal of military personnel and uniforms in some web series, which presented a “misleading” image of the armed forces.
“Some concerned citizens and ex-servicemen associations have even lodged an FIR against a production house and OTT (over-the-top media service) platform to seek legal action,” said an official.