Foolish to think censor board is still relevant: RGV on Jana Nayagan row
The Indian film industry has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding the upcoming Tamil film, “Jana Nayagan”, starring Vijay. The film has been denied a censor certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), sparking a heated debate about the relevance of the censor board in today’s digital age. Renowned film director 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 discussion about the role of the CBFC and its ability to regulate content in the modern era.
Varma’s statement comes as a response to the CBFC’s decision to deny “Jana Nayagan” a censor certificate, citing concerns over the film’s content. The film’s producers have been asked to make significant cuts and modifications to the film before it can be certified for release. This has led to a standoff between the film’s makers and the CBFC, with many in the industry questioning the board’s authority and relevance in today’s digital landscape.
According to Varma, the censor board was “born in an era when the state controlled the media, and it was necessary to have some form of control over the content that was being consumed by the public.” However, he argues that times have changed, and the censor board’s role has become outdated. “But today, any form of control is impossible,” he said. “With the advent of social media, streaming platforms, and the internet, content is freely available to anyone, anywhere. The idea of a censor board trying to control what people watch is not only futile but also insults the intelligence of the viewers.”
Varma’s comments highlight the changing dynamics of the media landscape and the need for the film industry to adapt to these changes. The rise of streaming platforms and social media has democratized content creation and consumption, making it easier for people to access a wide range of content from around the world. This has reduced the need for a central authority to regulate content, as users can now make their own choices about what they want to watch.
Moreover, the censor board’s attempts to regulate content often lead to a cat-and-mouse game between the board and filmmakers. Filmmakers try to find ways to circumvent the board’s guidelines, while the board tries to stay one step ahead by introducing new rules and regulations. This game of cat and mouse not only hinders the creative process but also leads to a lack of transparency and accountability.
Varma also blamed the film industry for allowing the CBFC to exist for so long. “The film industry has been complicit in the censor board’s existence,” he said. “We have allowed them to dictate what we can and cannot show on screen, and it’s time for us to take a stand and challenge their authority.” Varma’s comments are a call to action for the film industry to rethink its relationship with the censor board and to demand more freedom and creative autonomy.
The controversy surrounding “Jana Nayagan” is not an isolated incident. There have been several instances in the past where films have been denied censor certificates or have been asked to make significant cuts to their content. This has led to a perception that the CBFC is out of touch with the times and is more interested in imposing its own moral values on the film industry rather than protecting the interests of the audience.
In conclusion, Ram Gopal Varma’s comments on the relevance of the censor board are a timely reminder of the need for the film industry to adapt to the changing media landscape. The censor board’s attempts to regulate content are not only outdated but also insulting to the intelligence of the viewers. It’s time for the film industry to take a stand and demand more freedom and creative autonomy. As Varma said, “It’s foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today.” The film industry must recognize this reality and work towards creating a more nuanced and effective system of content regulation that takes into account the changing needs and preferences of the audience.
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