New Film Explores Religious Censorship of India's Artists (19thC)

ECONOMIC TIMES 

INDIA - Director Ketan Mehta's 'Rang Rasiya', about the life and time of 19th century painter Raja Ravi Varma, not only entertains but also opens a debate on the freedom of art. The way the 19th century painter Raja Ravi Varma is treated in the hands of a bunch of religious and cultural leaders, who claim to represent the entire country, reminds of M F Hussain, who chose to die in exile rather than being hounded by fundamentalists. The film also questions whether the artist's muse is mere an object and a way to fame and glory or do they have any rights. It also talks about the plight of women in a male-dominated society and the hypocrisy of the political elite which wants to dominate art, culture, religion and even the Gods. [link]