Malayalam movie 'S Durga' and Marathi film 'Nude' were dropped from screening at the IFFI recently as they did not fulfil the criteria of being certified by the censor board or having exemption certificate from the government, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

The ministry had overruled the recommendation of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) jury and pulled out the two films from screening at the festival. The festival was held between November 20-28 in Goa.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said some members of the India Panorama feature film jury showed concern over the exclusion of the movies from the festival.

However, he said, mere selection of a film by the jury is not sufficient for ensuring its exhibition in the festival.

"The film must either be certified by the Central Board of Certification for public exhibition or an exemption from certification from the government is required. Both these films did not meet the requirement," the minister said.