Tharoor, Cherian Slam Centre's IFFK Film Clearance Denial

• Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and Kerala Minister Saji Cherian criticized the central government for denying clearance to 19 films at IFFK.
• Tharoor termed the denial as "cinematic illiteracy" and "bureaucratic over-cautiousness," urging EAM S Jaishankar and I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approval.
• Cherian stated it would adversely affect Kerala's cinema tourism and the future of IFFK, questioning if the films were "anti-national."
• Tharoor highlighted the denial for classics like 'Battleship Potemkin' and Palestinian films as "laughable" and "over-cautious."
• Cherian alleged the denial is part of the Centre's financial "harassment" of Kerala, citing cuts in rural employment schemes and GST issues.

Why It Matters: Political leaders condemn central government's denial of film clearances for IFFK, citing cultural and economic concerns.