The Kerala Story’s director Sudipto Sen Charak denied CBFC approval, filmmaker reacts

Director and producer Sudipto Sen says the CBFC has denied certification to his film Charak, leaving him uncertain about the reason behind the refusal despite being willing to make suggested cuts. The film, described as a documentary-style social drama on occult practices within Hindu cult groups, now faces an uncertain release as Sen pushes for clarity on the board’s decision.

Ragini Jaiswal

February 22, 2026 / 18:42 IST

The Kerala Story’s director Sudipto Sen Charak denied CBFC approval, filmmaker reacts

CBFC denies clearance to Sudipto Sen's new film Charak
Sen unsure why Charak was refused certification despite edits
Charak's release now uncertain after teaser launch

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Filmmaker Sudipto Sen, best known for directing the controversial The Kerala Story, is once again in the eye of a certification storm as his latest production Charak, has been denied clearance by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Sen, who is also the producer of the film directed by Shieladitya Moulik, revealed in an interview that he has been left unsure why the board refused to certify the movie, even though the CBFC has recommended cuts to certain scenes.

The denial comes despite the official release of Charak’s teaser earlier this week and Sen’s willingness to make edits if required. Asked about the refusal, the filmmaker said he had been told that the film would be “evaluated sympathetically,” but added that clarity on the board’s decision has not been provided. “I genuinely do not have a clear idea why the clearance was denied,” Sudipto told News18, and emphasised he is “willing to even opt for certain cuts and sacrifice some visuals for the film’s sake.”

“I genuinely do not have a clear idea why the clearance was denied. I am willing to even opt for certain cuts and sacrifice some visuals for the film’s sake. But now the bigger question is lurking on my film itself. At this juncture, I can only be hopeful. In our last meeting, I was told the film would be evaluated sympathetically. We have presented documented material, not fiction. However, truth is always uncomfortable," he said.

“If something illegal is happening in the name of faith, should the cinema look away? My work is to bring facts before society. Even though I do not know the reasons for such resistance, ideological or otherwise, the first and the basic response to the film did not seem encouraging to me. However, after the release of the teaser, I got a huge response from my well-wishers," Sudipto added.

The CBFC has not publicly responded to Sen’s comments or explained precisely why Charak was denied certification. The film’s producers now face uncertainty about its release date, which was initially anticipated in early March. The official synopsis of Charak describes it as a grounded social drama that follows individuals taking part in an ancient ritual where faith is expressed through physical endurance and belief.