The Bombay high court on Friday reserved order till Monday on the petition filed by Phantom Films Pvt Ltd challenging the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) revising committee’s suggestion to cut 13 scenes from Udta Punjab.
During the hearing, when CBFC, time and again referred to as ‘Censor Board’, the Bench said that it was a body that was meant to ‘certify’ films and not ‘censor’ them. The Bench was of the view that it could recommend cuts only as per guidelines.
Meanwhile, time might be running out for Central Board of Film Certification chief Pahalaj Nihalani. After the Udta Punjab controversy blew up in the government’s face, the I&B ministry is seriously examining the Shyam Benegal report. Speculation is rife that Mr Bengal could replace the controversial CBFC chairman.
Hinting at possible changes in film certification, information and broadcasting minister Arun Jaitley made it clear on Friday that “some very radical changes” will be announced over the next few days. Also, Benegal has suggested a new category — ‘Adult with Caution’ or ‘A/C’ for films with excessive adult content in his recommendations.
“We have submitted an interim report to the government, the details of which cannot be revealed. Yes, we have mooted a new category ‘Adult with Caution’ or ‘A/C’ for certification of films with excessive adult content,” said Benegal.
“We have suggested two other categories: Under U/A U/A 12+ and U/A 15+,” the noted filmmaker said.
DC Take
Time and again, some or the other movie faces Censor trouble. Ideally, the Censor Board, as opined by many including the Bombay high court, should just be a certifying body. The Shyam Benegal-led panel too has suggested the same. It is high time that the Centre reaslised this and the board evolved with times.
