: During production in Rajasthan, the project was filmed under the working title "Maya & Tara" to avoid interference from the Indian government, which would not have permitted filming under the name "Kama Sutra". Cinematography and Critical Reception
: Initially banned due to its bold erotic content and depictions of nudity, the film eventually received an "A" (18+) certificate in 1997 after several cuts. : During production in Rajasthan, the project was
The narrative centers on two women whose lives are entwined from childhood: (Sarita Choudhury), a princess, and Maya (Indira Varma), her servant. Their friendship fractures when Tara prepares to marry King Raj Singh (Naveen Andrews). Their friendship fractures when Tara prepares to marry
The film's explicit nature led to significant hurdles with censorship, particularly in India: : While the film remains cut in India,
: Maya returns to the palace as a professional courtesan, wielding her sexual mastery to maintain power over the increasingly hedonistic King, while finding genuine love with a sculptor, Jai Kumar (Ramon Tikaram). Controversy and the "Uncut" Version
: Feeling humiliated by Tara’s newfound superiority, Maya seduces the King on his wedding night.
: While the film remains cut in India, it was released uncut worldwide . In the U.S., it was originally rated NC-17 but was trimmed to an R rating for its general theatrical release; however, an unrated video version preserved the original vision.