Foolish to think censor board is still relevant: RGV on Jana Nayagan row
The recent controversy surrounding Vijay’s film ‘Jana Nayagan’ not getting a censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has sparked a heated debate in the film industry. 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 reignited the discussion on the relevance and effectiveness of the censor board in today’s digital age.
According to Varma, the film industry is to blame for allowing the CBFC to exist for so long. “The censor board was born in an era when the state controlled the media, and it was a tool for the government to exert control over the content that was being consumed by the masses,” he said. However, with the advent of technology and the internet, the dynamics have changed dramatically. “But today, any form of control is impossible,” Varma added.
The CBFC, established in 1952, is responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India. However, over the years, the board has been criticized for its arbitrary and often regressive decisions. Many filmmakers have complained about the board’s tendency to dictate what can and cannot be shown on screen, often citing vague and outdated guidelines.
Varma’s comments come at a time when the film industry is grappling with the challenges of censorship in the digital age. With the rise of streaming platforms and social media, content is now more accessible than ever before. The traditional models of censorship, which relied on controlling the physical distribution of content, are no longer effective.
The ‘Jana Nayagan’ controversy is a case in point. The film, which is a Tamil-language drama, has been denied a censor certificate by the CBFC due to its alleged “political” content. The film’s makers have been told to make significant cuts and changes before it can be certified for release. However, the film’s director and producers have refused to comply, arguing that the board’s demands are unreasonable and unjustified.
Varma’s statement has been met with both support and criticism from the film industry. While some have hailed his comments as a bold and much-needed critique of the censor board, others have argued that the board still has a role to play in regulating content and protecting societal norms.
However, Varma’s argument is not just about the CBFC’s irrelevance but also about the insult it poses to viewers. “The censor board’s very existence is an insult to the intelligence of the viewers,” he said. “It’s assuming that the audience is not mature enough to decide what they want to watch and what they don’t want to watch.” This patronizing attitude, Varma argues, is not only outdated but also counterproductive.
In today’s digital age, audiences have access to a vast array of content from around the world. They can watch films, television shows, and online content that is often more explicit and mature than what is available in Indian cinemas. The notion that the CBFC can protect Indian audiences from “objectionable” content is not only laughable but also unrealistic.
The ‘Jana Nayagan’ controversy has once again highlighted the need for a more nuanced and realistic approach to censorship in India. The film industry, policymakers, and regulators need to come together to create a framework that balances creative freedom with social responsibility. The current system, which relies on an outdated and arbitrary censor board, is no longer tenable.
As Varma so aptly put it, “The censor board is a relic of the past, and it’s time for us to move on.” The film industry and the government need to recognize the changing dynamics of the media landscape and adapt to the new realities. The days of state-controlled media are behind us, and it’s time to embrace a more liberal and progressive approach to censorship.
In conclusion, the ‘Jana Nayagan’ controversy has sparked a much-needed debate about the relevance and effectiveness of the CBFC. Ram Gopal Varma’s comments have added fuel to the fire, and it’s time for the film industry and policymakers to take note. The censor board, as it exists today, is indeed outdated and insulting to viewers. It’s time for a new approach, one that balances creative freedom with social responsibility and recognizes the intelligence and maturity of the Indian audience.
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