A police order suspending all theatre performances at Bengaluru’s Suchitra Film and Cultural Academy has sparked debate over artistic freedom and the extent of police intervention in cultural institutions.
The Banashankari police issued the directive after a confrontation during the October 31 staging of The Truth Behind Gandhi’s Assassination, a play written by Addanda C Cariappa, former director of Mysuru Rangayana.
Following the incident, complaints and counter-complaints were filed at the Banashankari police station. Police have initiated an investigation and directed the academy to postpone all theatre performances until further orders. The directive also warns of legal action if an event leads to a law-and-order situation.
Dispute Over Play Triggers Police Action
The controversy began when protesters objected to certain dialogues in the play, alleging that Mahatma Gandhi had been portrayed in an objectionable manner.
During the protest, black ink was allegedly thrown on Cariappa’s face. The incident reportedly escalated into a verbal confrontation, accompanied by allegations of physical manhandling.
Both sides subsequently approached the police, prompting an investigation into the events surrounding the performance.
Writers Question Blanket Restriction
The decision to suspend all performances has drawn criticism from writers and social media users, who argue that the order affects artists and theatre groups beyond those involved in the original dispute.
Writer Rohith Chakrathirtha compared the restriction to censorship during the Emergency of 1975–77 and questioned the commitment to freedom of expression. He argued that prohibiting all performances at the academy raised serious concerns about artistic freedom.
Writer Beluru Sudarshan also questioned why a dispute involving one production had resulted in a blanket restriction on other theatre activities. He called for the order to be withdrawn, alleging that the action amounted to intimidation of the cultural institution.
Wider Concerns for Bengaluru's Theatre Community
The police directive has expanded the controversy beyond the original disagreement over the play. Cultural commentators have raised concerns about the impact of the suspension on independent artists, theatre groups and other performers who use the academy.
Critics have questioned whether the police investigation could continue without stopping all theatrical activities at the venue.
The police investigation is ongoing, and the academy's theatre performances will remain suspended until further orders, according to the directive.
