Foolish to think censor board is still relevant: RGV on Jana Nayagan row
The Indian film industry has been embroiled in a heated debate over the relevance of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), also known as the censor board. The latest controversy to spark this discussion is the denial of a censor certificate to Vijay’s upcoming film, ‘Jana Nayagan’. Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has weighed in on the issue, stating that it’s “foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today.” Varma’s comments have ignited a fresh wave of debate on the role of the CBFC in modern Indian cinema.
Varma’s statement comes at a time when the film industry is grappling with the implications of the censor board’s decisions on creative freedom. The CBFC’s refusal to grant a censor certificate to ‘Jana Nayagan’ has been seen as an overreach of its authority, with many arguing that the board is trying to impose its own moral and cultural values on filmmakers. Varma, known for his provocative and often controversial films, has been a vocal critic of the censor board’s practices.
According to Varma, the censor board was born in an era when the state controlled the media, and its primary function was to regulate the content of films to ensure they conformed to the government’s ideological and moral standards. However, with the advent of technology and the proliferation of social media, any form of control is now impossible. The internet has democratized access to information, and audiences can easily access a wide range of content from around the world. In this context, the censor board’s attempts to regulate film content appear outdated and irrelevant.
Varma also blamed the film industry for allowing the CBFC to exist for so long. He argued that the industry has been complicit in the board’s actions, often kowtowing to its demands and compromising on creative freedom. By doing so, the industry has perpetuated a system that is no longer tenable in today’s digital age. Varma’s comments are a call to action, urging the industry to take a stand against the censor board’s overreach and assert its right to creative freedom.
The ‘Jana Nayagan’ controversy has highlighted the arbitrary nature of the censor board’s decisions. The film, which is a political thriller, has been denied a censor certificate due to its purportedly sensitive content. However, many have questioned the board’s criteria for determining what is acceptable and what is not. The lack of transparency and consistency in the board’s decisions has led to accusations of bias and partisanship.
The censor board’s actions have also been criticized for insulting the intelligence of viewers. By assuming that audiences are incapable of making their own decisions about what they want to watch, the board is essentially treating them as children who need to be protected from harmful content. This patronizing attitude is not only condescending but also undermines the very purpose of cinema as a medium of artistic expression.
In recent years, the Indian film industry has witnessed a surge in independent filmmaking, with many young directors pushing the boundaries of creative storytelling. However, the censor board’s restrictive policies have often stifled innovation and experimentation. By imposing rigid guidelines on film content, the board is stifling the very creativity that is essential to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
Varma’s comments have sparked a much-needed debate on the relevance of the censor board in modern Indian cinema. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing technologies and audience preferences, it is essential to re-examine the role of the CBFC and its impact on creative freedom. The ‘Jana Nayagan’ controversy has highlighted the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to film regulation, one that takes into account the complexities of modern Indian society and the diverse tastes and preferences of audiences.
In conclusion, Ram Gopal Varma’s statement that it’s “foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today” is a timely reminder of the need for the Indian film industry to rethink its approach to film regulation. The censor board’s outdated policies and practices are no longer tenable in today’s digital age, and it’s time for the industry to assert its right to creative freedom. By doing so, Indian cinema can continue to thrive and evolve, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and innovation.
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