Abolish entertainment tax: Sudhir Mishra

''Theaters bring people together and facilitate a community experience. Isnt that public service? It is hard to decipher why we have Entertainment Tax in India. I mean, why would you tax people people for being happy, moved, touched, elevated, inspired and educated? Its high time that the world sees public performances — dance, theatre, film in a different light," says filmmaker Sudhir Mishra.

Recipient of three National awards, as well as Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government, Mishra, whose latest film 'Serious Men', based on Manu Joseph's novel by the same name was recently premiered on Netflix says that multiple narratives within the central character made the novel enchanting enough for a film adaptation.

"He is Dalit but does not play the victim. I loved the craziness of the whole idea. The film and novel are two different 'things', and the film is very grateful to the novel. Though Joseph keeps saying that the novel thanks the film."

Even as multiple films, including those by major production houses are witnessing premieres on OTT platforms, the filmmaker who debuted with 'Yeh Woh Manzil To Nahin' in 1987 feels that the trend will continue even after theaters open with full-capacity. "The digital medium will replace one kind of film — the ones that can be seen more intimately on a laptop — a drama and more performance based ones. They may replace the television but not the theatrical experience. These platforms are a wonderfully democratic space. It's for you to watch as you want and there is definitely a much longer shelf life. A movie can be discovered many years later too, and at your own time. It's like a book on a shelf," he says.

Condemning the move by the I&B ministry's move to regulate digital platforms, Mishra, known for films like 'Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, 'Dharavi', 'Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin and 'Chameli' says that his views on censorship remain unchanged. "You can certify, not delete. Give audiences the ability to choose, respect their views, but tell them what to expect. Make child-locks on gadgets stronger. Also, parents need to get into the act a little more. But in this day and age, the genie is out of the bottle. By censoring, you will create more mystery for bad content. The idea of language has changed, some people might be going over the top on digital platforms, but it's just the first flash of freedom, and will fade. People will eventually respect craft, storytelling, performances rather than titillation. (IANS)

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