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The idea of Internet releases has been growing popular these days. Earlier this year Hollywood filmmakers Seth Rogan, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver decided to release their film, The Interview, online. Now, the leaking of Leslee Udwin’s India’s Daughter on YouTube, has inspired producer Siddhartha M Jain of iRock Media to make his much awaited film, Kill the Rapist? to do the same. Urban Asian had the opportunity to have a one on one session with the young and ambitious producer of the film Siddhartha M Jain. Here’s what he had to say about the Internet, the youth, the freedom of expression and his upcoming film!
The censor board’s ban on your film Kill the Rapist? led to the decision of airing it on the Internet. Do you feel that this may in fact work in the favor of the film?
Our film was not banned by the censors, but it took us more than 6 months to get a certificate and it started with too many cuts, which was hampering the story telling. Finally we have a censor certificate, but its not required if we stream the film online.
First the AIB, then the ban on documentaries, do you feel that India has become overly sensitive to “truth”?
Absolutely, especially when the people want to know the truth. More than the truth, freedom of expression is paramount in a democracy like ours. At least the goverment should be supportive and this is called organic evolution of society, art and expression.
Today, films and songs which objectify women are readily available. What are your thoughts on such content being passed by the censor board?
I believe in freedom of creative expression. The audience has a choice to watch what they want to. I firmly support RATING instead of CENSORSHIP.
Do you believe that underground media and social media play a crucial role in promoting hard hitting films and documentaries?
Absolutely. The internet is democratic and a great leveller. This going to be the new age underground, which it already is and this will make freedom of expression, very democratic.
Are you planning to produce more films like Kill the Rapist? in the future?
Yes we are. This is just the beginning. But we will focus on packaging it in a commercial format so that the audiences watch it as engaging content. No one likes to be preached directly. Its a fine balance.
Written and directed by Sanjay Chhel as a reaction to the Delhi gang-rape in 2012, the film focuses on the lives of three women and a man who tries to rape one of them. The 90-minute thriller is set to break the World Wide Web in mid-April!
