Madhur Bhandarkar’s latest released movie ‘Traffic Signal’ got red light in Himachal Pradesh over dispute of the word ‘Kinnar’ used in the movie for eunuchs.
The word Kinnar or kinnauri in Himachal is used for the people belonging to Kinnaur distict (it is one of the smallest district in India.) These people are quite upset over the use of word in the movie. Thus, they have demanded ban of the movie across country along with the apology by Bhandarkar for using the word.
The Himachal goverment took the action and banned movie in its state. Though till now Bhandarkar has not sought apology, neither he has said anything regarding the change of the word.
Bhandarkar though denies that the word is not used in the film. “We have referred to eunuchs as ‘kinners’ only in media interviews since it is an acceptable word in Hindi,” he says.
The term has been frequently used in writings and conversations to refer to eunuchs. It is often taken as a last name by eunuchs across India.
BJP leaders of Kinnaur district has asked President Kalam to look into the issue and remove the word from the movie.
The movie, Traffic Signal shows the life tale of the people who live alongside roads in big cities.
Bhandarkar is the three time national award winner and is known to make some good realistic movie which bound to get people in thinking mode. Movies like Chandani bar, Page 3, Corporate are some of the all time hits which brought laurel to this brilliant director. But this time he has landed himself in puddle.