Tharoor Slams "Petty" Censor Delays at IFFK, Cites "Beef" Ban Over Title

• Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the Centre's delay in censor exemptions for films at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
• Tharoor called the move "unfortunate" and a reflection of a "narrow, bureaucratic mindset" that harms India's global cultural image.
• He highlighted that some films, like the 100-year-old Battleship Potemkin, have been screened before or are publicly available, making current objections arbitrary.
• Tharoor specifically condemned the reported denial of clearance for the film Beef, stating it was banned solely due to its title, despite being about a rap artist.
• He urged bureaucrats to develop a "more refined sensibility" and understand that India's image and artistic expression are at stake.

Why It Matters: Tharoor criticizes IFFK censor delays, citing arbitrary bans like "Beef" over title, harming India's image.