CBFC refuses to certify RGV's Disha Encounter, film sent to revising committee

The examining committee of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused to certify Ram Gopal Varma's controversial film, Disha Encounter, citing reasons that a few scenes and songs of the movie have stark similarities with the ghastly rape and murder of a 26-year-old veterinarian in Shamshabad on November 27, 2019.

"The film is about the tragic murder and rape of the veterinary doctor, and the CBFC has denied to certify it," says a source close to the development.

The makers of Disha Encounterr, on the other hand, approached the eight-member revising committee seeking a formal letter for the screening of the film, which is slated for release on February 19. 

Meanwhile, the revising committee has asked the producers to submit 15 copies of the synopsis and songs of Disha Encounter. The makers were asked to ensure that the copy of the film is the same as the one that was exhibited to the examining committee of CBFC.

Natti Kumar, who is overseeing the film's release, stated that Disha Encounter is based on the information available in the public domain and their idea is to raise awareness of such incidents among the people. He also alleged that these obstacles were created only to target Ram Gopal Varma.

Ever since the first look poster and trailer of Disha Encounter were released, the parents of the late 26-year-old veterinarian have been raising objections that they were neither approached nor consulted when RGV decided to make this film. They have also approached the High Court saying that the film is a real story of the gruesome incident. Following this, the court has directed the CBFC to act.

Produced by Natti Kranthi and Natti Karuna, Disha Encounter features Srikanth Iyengar, Sonia Akula and Praveen Raj in the lead roles. The film has been directed jointly by Ram Gopal Varma and Anand Chandra.