PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
Tell Indian Cinemas: Don't Censor LGBT Films
  1. Signatures
    207 out of 500
    Petitioning
    1. Fun Cinemas (+ 1 other)
      Petitioning
      close
      • Fun Cinemas
      • Cinemax India
  2. Created By
    Michael Jones
    Boston, MA
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

It's a movie that's been dubbed India's Brokeback Mountain, because of its historic portrayal of a same-sex couple in a country that up until a year ago criminalized homosexuality with fines and prison sentences. And indeed, in the few theaters where it's screening, Dunno Y ... Na Jaane Kyun is lighting it up, bringing in both cash and fans. And that's something to celebrate, given that the film is one of the first Bollywood productions to portray not only a real and serious same-sex relationship, but also some genuine same-sex affection.

Of course, Dunno Y ... Na Jaane Kyun is also making history in another way. And that's because two leading theaters in Mumbai -- Fun Cinemas and CinemaxVersova -- are refusing to screen the film, saying that it violates India's morals and would be offensive to families. What a shame.

Send these two cinemas a message that by censoring a film that portrays a same-sex relationship, they are sending a harmful and damaging message that only fosters stigmatization toward LGBT people. This is particularly troubling in India, where laws criminalizing homosexuality have only been off the books for less than a year.

Recent Signatures

Please screen Dunno Y ... Na Jaane Kyun

Dear Fun Cinemas and Cinemax India

Both Fun Cinemas and Cinemax India have made the decision to censor a new film, Dunno Y ... Na Jaane Kyun, because the film portrays a same-sex relationship. I find this very troubling, and urge your theaters to reconsider this decision.

A spokesperson for Cinemax India went so far as to say: "Cinemax Versova stepped back from showing the film as it's quite explicit for its family audiences." But the reality is that this film is the first serious film out of Bollywood to portray a serious same-sex relationship, as well as show a same-sex kiss. And while that may be path-breaking and historic, it's hardly explicit.

Moreover, taboos against homosexuality in India have been legally discredited, with the overturning of Section 377 last year. In the wake of that historic court decision, theaters shouldn't be censoring films that depict homosexuality. Moreover, only audiences of a certain age, and those who willingly purchase tickets to view the film, will see it.

I urge you to reconsider your decision to ban the film. The movie is already drawing profits and audiences wherever it is being shown. There's no reason it can't do the same for Fun Cinemas and Cinemax.

[Your name]

Press Inquiries