DC Debate: Censor on Spectre’s kissing scenes kicks up controversy

When films directed by Mahesh Bhatt had long duration kissing scenes, then why not Bond? This cutting of scenes should not be done as it shows India in poor light and affects international film business.

English films have long had kissing scenes and this is nothing new. Some people talk about culture, but this has got nothing do with it. If Indian films can be allowed then what is the problem with ‘Spectre’. There should always be a balance between the two.

In television, if you censor it is still somewhat acceptable, since children have access to it and viewership mainly comprises families.

Hollywood films have always had tiffs with censor board and now with this issue raking up these things need to change. It is time for the board to be lenient, as the audience too has matured over time.

When you compare India to other countries, censorship is very high here which is not the correct way forward. With easy access to internet, audiences across the country have grown and become much more open and aware of all these things. To save film buffs from such directives, one can definitely take a look at the US model of grade system which is a much better method than chopping and changing by the censor board.

A lot of English films have previously got into such an issue. So it is not happening for the first time. Just because it’s a Bond film it is generating so much noise I think. Being a bond film along with a big budget film does not mean that rules will change overnight; it has been the same and applies for all.

If the film has to be seen by family audiences and distributors want the U/A certificate such scenes have to be reduced. Youngsters love to watch Bond films. So the rules have to be adhered to. There there is no two way about it. Everybody knows what is allowed and what crosses the line. Our censor board never allows long kissing scenes and this too is not new.

If we recall Marlon Brando’s Last Tango in Paris which was dogged by controversy and censorship, then it is worth noting that it could never be released in India. So why such a hue and cry now if not then. If filmmakers in India know where the line is, so even a distributor here has to know the same, there is no special rule for ‘Spectre’