Filmmaker Onir's hope to make a sequel to his film 'I Am,' released in 2010 has dwindled as the Indian defence ministry has rejected a film script. Onir's National Award-winning film delved deeper to explore subjects like single motherhood, homosexuality, and other relevant social issues.?
According to a Times of India report, Onir's feature film has been focused on bringing to life, the real struggle of a soldier who had to leave his position in the Army, because of his sexual identity.?
In a series of tweets, Onir wrote how homosexuality continues to remain illegal in the Indian Army.¡°As a society, we are a long way from being treated as equals,¡± the director of My Brother Nikhil wrote.
Talking to TOI, Onir said,
¡°I wrote this script based on a story that is in the public domain. There are 56 countries in the world that have recognized the presence of the LGBTQI community in the Army. It has taken years for women to find space in the Indian Army. As a film-maker and queer rights activist, it is important for me to be able to tell this story,¡±?
Why did Onir submit the script to Indian army?
In July 2021, the defence ministry had written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the ministries of information and broadcasting and electronics and information technology to advise production houses to obtain a NOC from it before the telecast of any film, documentary, or web series on the Army.
Taking Onir's side, the internet shared its collective thoughts. Despite the Supreme Court's decriminalization of homosexuality, many even pointed out that India continues to unwelcome these topics in mainstream media.
"This attempt to stop dialogue is unfortunate. True democracy does not exist unless it applies equally to all citizens irrespective of gender, sexuality, caste, class or religion."
Onir is speaking to lawyers to plan out the path to recourse and explore viable options.?
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