‘Mausam’ is the latest film to run into controversy with the IAF. Sunday Times explores Bollywood’s uneasy relationship with the armed forces

Meenakshi Sinha | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 25, 2011)

 

Tales of valour and courage by men in uniform have always gripped popular cinema. But they have also had their fair share of controversies over cinematic liberties.

Mausam, which has just been released, is no different. This directorial debut of veteran actor Pankaj Kapur, whose son Shahid is the hero of the film, ran into controversy when the Indian Air Force (IAF) refused to give a no objection certificate (NOC) over a computer-generated aerial sequence. This led to the film being released on September 23 instead of a week earlier as planned.

Shahid, who plays a fighter pilot in the movie, claims there were no requests for any changes in the script or scenes, only minor tweaking of an action sequence involving six fighter planes, one of which was flown by him. “It was a 30-second sequence that shows me inside a Mirage 2000 which could not be shown to the IAF earlier,” he says.

He agrees that while all necessary clearances were sought by the producers prior to its shooting, this kind of roadblock could have been avoided. “But we’re happy to make the changes because it helps the film look more authentic.” He acknowledges the support given by the IAF for the film, including the use of its air bases and aircraft. Mausam features Sonam Kapoor as the female lead and is More >