The 2017 film Lipstick Under My Burkha , directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, serves as a defiant manifesto against the systemic silencing of female desire in patriarchal India [1, 3]. Set in the crowded lanes of Bhopal, the narrative weaves together the lives of four women—ranging from a college student to a 55-year-old widow—each navigating a world that demands they keep their aspirations and sexualities hidden [2, 4].
It launched conversations about the "A" certificate being a tool of censorship, not protection. It inspired a generation of female filmmakers to be bolder in their writing. It also proved a commercial point: with the right campaign and word-of-mouth, a film about four women and their sexualities could recover its budget and find an audience.
The film's journey to the screen is as legendary as the movie itself. Initially, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India refused to grant it a certification, citing that it was "lady-oriented," with "sexual scenes, abusive words, and audio pornography." The board’s refusal led to a legal battle, international outcry, and eventually, a release with an 'A' (Adults Only) certificate. But by then, Lipstick Under My Burkha had already cemented its place in history.
Lipstick Under My Burkha