'The Diplomat': CBFC asks makers to add this disclaimer
What's the story
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has mandated a disclaimer for the upcoming political thriller, The Diplomat, reported Mid-Day.
Produced and headlined by John Abraham, the movie is inspired by Uzma Ahmed's 2017 repatriation incident.
CBFC's directive comes after the movie was screened for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the first week of March, ahead of its release on March 14.
Disclaimer details
CBFC's directive emphasizes diplomatic relations
CBFC has ordered the filmmakers to add a disclaimer asserting their support for maintaining good relations with neighboring countries.
"Considering the film is centred on international diplomacy, a disclaimer was added to emphasize that while the core matter may be inspired by a true incident, its portrayal of geopolitical tensions is dramatised and does not reflect the Indian government's stance."
"It was important to highlight this aspect since the two countries' relations are a sensitive matter," revealed a source.
Film details
'The Diplomat's plot and character inspirations
The Diplomat also stars Sadia Khateeb and Revathy.
Khateeb's character is inspired by Ahmed, who had approached the Indian Embassy in Islamabad seeking refuge after escaping from her husband in Pakistan under duress.
Abraham plays the role of Indian diplomat JP Singh, who helped Ahmed return to India.
Name approvals
CBFC permits the use of real names in 'The Diplomat'
CBFC has allowed the use of some real names in The Diplomat, such as Sushma Swaraj (then Minister of External Affairs), JP Singh, and Prashant Jadhav.
The names were cleared after the filmmakers submitted relevant documents to the board.
However, certain scenes have been altered; a sequence of a young boy killing a woman has been reduced, and an expletive has been muted.
Shivam Nair has directed the movie.