Inside Mumbai’s Liberty Cinema, Grover’s KISS turns a single kiss into a symbol of India’s enduring battle over censorship and creative freedom. Set entirely in a preview theatre, the film sharply critiques the societal and institutional forces shaping Indian cinema. Drawing from colonial-era laws to modern controversies, KISS uses satire to expose the absurdities of what’s considered “acceptable” on screen—revealing the constant push and pull between tradition and expression.
In Pune’s Pimple Nilakh, musician Swapnil Thakur has become the face of resistance against the controversial Mula Riverfront Development (RFD) project. With a drum kit, guitar, and harmonica, his protest anthem “Bahut bada ghotala hain…” has energized thousands. Blending music with activism, Thakur channels public outrage into powerful performances, challenging urban overdevelopment while reclaiming ecological and cultural identity along the threatened riverbanks.
The controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan highlights the issue of self-censorship in Indian cinema. Despite its box-office success, the filmmakers voluntarily altered parts of the film under pressure from political and ideological factions.
The violent pro-monarchy protests in Nepal have claimed the life of journalist Suresh Rajak, a dedicated photojournalist with Avenues Television, after demonstrators set fire to a building he was reporting from in Kathmandu.
Artists often wield significant influence beyond their craft, shaping political discourse and national identity. Manisha Koirala, a celebrated Bollywood actress of Nepali origin, exemplifies this power through her vocal support for monarchy and Nepal’s Hindu identity.
Bangladesh: The government reaffirms commitment to free expression, dismissing claims of pre-publication book censorshi
Artists played a crucial role in Dhaka's fight for freedom during the recent student-led revolution in Bangladesh. The creative community utilized various art forms to express dissent, inspire change, and document the struggle against oppression.
