WB-KIFF-MAJIDI

Unlike Bollywood, Iranian films are based on realities: Majidi
    Kolkata, Nov 11 (PTI) The big difference between
Iranian and Bollywood films is while the former is based on
realities and social subjects, Bollywood films attaches more
importance on the commercial side, celebrated Iranian director
Majid Majidi said on Sunday.
    Iranian cinema is based on realities, real locations,
social subjects and human values, said Majidi, who had
directed a Bollywood flick 'Beyond the Clouds' last year.
    "Bollywood cinema is also important from the
commercial side," he told a press meet at the 24th Kolkata
International Film Festival (KIFF).
    There is a very well balanced, new generation in India
and if they get the right kind of support, "that could be good
for independent film makers in India... we can have new
Satyajit Rays."
    Majidi, whose 2015 film 'Muhammad : The Messenger of
God' was screened at the KIFF before the press meet, said, "In
India you (also) have social subjects and interesting
stories."
    Asked if language is a barrier in film making, the
59-year-old Iranian director said, "My films come from reality
and heart. And when it is based on heart, it can be acceptable
for all audiences."
    He said the full house at Nandan showed that the
audience was actually connected "to my feeling."
    In deference to religious sentiments, he said he
decided not to show the face of Muhammed because of the holy
aspect.
    Asked about censorship hurdles, he said, different
governments have different views on the issue.
    "It is important to pass the (censor) board's
directive in a right way while keeping intact the vision of
director," Majidi, the maker of 'Children of Heaven' said.
    He cited example of two different regimes in Iran
having different yardsticks of censor and said it was a
challenge for a creative person to find his own ways. PTI SUS
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