Hyderabad:
Board driven by political agenda:
The rules of the Censor Board are not the same when it comes to regional languages. We have appealed many times that the rules be made the same for everyone in the industry, but there still is disparity. One can observe the difference in films that are dubbed in Telugu and the made-in-Telugu films. Some dubbed films, that are censored in Chennai, get a pass here despite unsavoury scenes and dialogues. However, many Telugu films made in Hyderabad are subjected to chops. There are big differences between all the regional boards.
We have been requesting the Central Board of Film Certificate to make the rules universal. Take for for instance, CBFC chairman Leela Samson’s resignation over Messenger of God. Even I was surprised by the appellate tribunal’s verdict. I know that the CBFC and the revising committee refer films to the Film Certification Apellate Tribunal (FCAT) when the movies require a lot of cuts. I was surprised that the tribunal gave its verdict in just 24 hours. Usually, such a verdict requires time. However, in the case of this film, it was passed so quickly. This is the first time I have seen that a verdict was given so quickly
I will be happy if this is done for other films too. I remember the Hindi film titled Kissa Kursi Ka. It was referred to the tribunal and it wasn’t passed for years.
I also notice that political intervention in the Censor Board affairs is present in many ways. In our Telugu regional board, most members were suggested by the political leaders. They don’t possess any knowledge of cinema or society for that matter. The Censor Board is like a political rehabilitation centre and many political leaders nominate their close associates as members.
Earlier, the Censor Board and its members worked quietly. Not many people knew about its members. At that time, the Board appointed intellectual people from society as members. They knew the good and bad. But today the scenario is very different.
Now, when a producer applies for a certificate, he knows which members of the jury are going to watch his film. The Board also treats each film differently depending on on the producer.
I believe that in the near future people will stop going to movies. Even today, many prefer watching movies on TV or on YouTube.
Social media is filled with uncensored content, the Board should come up with liberal ways to bring the audience back to theatres.
I also hope the rules for censorship will be the same for all languages. Tammareddy Bharadwaja, Film Producer and Director
Clearances are based on rules:
To many, being a member or holding a post in the CBFC may seem enviable. The obvious reason is the connection with the glamour industry cinema. However, it is not so in reality. The information and broadcasting ministry appoints the chairperson only after a thorough check on the eligibility and background, which helps the body make non-controversial decisions with the support of the panel members. The panel members are appointed by the various party leaders, so there is a direct political connection to every film that is brought for certification.
The guidelines of the Board clearly state that any derogatory remark or visual pertaining to religion or something that might affect communal harmony will not be allowed.
Regulation to a certain extent is necessary and in a visual medium like cinema, the thoughts and actions are glorified and magnified thereby having a tremendous impact on the minds of the public.
It is understood that a film maker would like to put forth innumerable thoughts on screen. But he has to keep in mind the average audience, and cannot specifically cater to a highly intellectual audience who will analyse and speculate over the consequence of the movie In the end, entertainment is what is important.
Time and again the CBFC has courted controversy as to why it raises objections about certifying certain films that deal with sensitive religious issues. Like for example PK which had been passed by the Censor Board on the grounds that entertainment precedes religious sentiments.
The CBFC goes by the guidelines and there is no law enforced.
When the same chairperson and the same Board has objections to a film, it is only because the message conveyed may be too strong or may trigger unrest. The Censor Board certifies a movie and lets people decide whether their children, who are vulnerable can watch under guidance. This is why it is problem in India, whereas abroad the viewership is strictly based on the certification on the film.
As far as Leela Samson’s resignation is concerned there may be questions raised as to why she resigned now. Previously, when there have been issues with clearance, the Board has made sensible statements as to why a movie was not cleared. The same maybe true in the case of MSG.
However, the FCAT clearing the film MSG comes as a blow to the panel. Leela Samson has been very professional through her tenure. It is obvious that one can be pushed to the edge in one’s chair. Shailaja Reddy, Former Member CBFC
