Indian Air Force objects to 'gender bias’ in Gunjan Saxena, sends letter to Dharma, CBFC

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has objected to the portrayal of ‘gender bias' in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl.

In a letter to Dharma Productions, Netflix and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the IAF has raised objection over certain scenes and dialogues in the movie and trailer that portray the IAF in "negative light."

Directed by Sharan Sharma, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl is the biopic of one of the first female pilots in the Indian Air Force. The film stars Janhvi Kapoor in the titular role, alongside Pankaj Tripathi and Angad Bedi.

In the letter, the IAF stated that Dharma Productions had agreed to represent the force with authenticity and make all efforts to ensure the film helps to inspire the next generation of officers.

The letter further stated, "In the aim to glorify the screen character of ex-Flt Lt Gunjan Saxena, M/s Dharma Productions presented some situations that are misleading and portray an inappropriate work culture, especially against women in the IAF."

The force said that it has always ensured the organisation is gender-neutral and provided equal opportunities to male and female personnel.

IAF said that the production house was told about the objectionable portions of the movie and was advised to delete or modify them. "However, the production house has not deleted the scenes but had proposed a media plan in the run up to the release and inserting a disclaimer in the movie," the letter said.

Last month the Ministry of Defence had written a letter to the CBFC, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to advise production houses to obtain a No-Objection Certificate from the MoD before the telecast of any film or documentary or web series with a military theme in the public domain.

The MoD's move came after a few web series allegedly presented a distorted image of the armed forces.

The MoD had also received complaints raising strong objections over portrayal of Indian Army personnel and the military uniform in an insulting manner.