Censor Board’s Location Bias Questioned in ‘Sahia’ Certification Delay

During a recent conversation with a senior official of the certification board, Sanjay Sharma was told that the film’s location was the primary obstacle to approval. The official reportedly said that if "Sahia" had been shot in the plains of Uttar Pradesh, the board would have cleared it instantly.

Sharma finds the reasoning untenable, pointing out that the story, characters and dialogue remain unchanged regardless of where the camera rolls. He warned that such a stance could deter filmmakers from venturing into tribal and forest‑rich areas, ultimately marginalising those communities on screen.

The producer also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the review process. He insists that the board should pinpoint the exact scenes they deem problematic instead of imposing a blanket ban on the entire feature.