Foolish to think censor board is still relevant: RGV on Jana Nayagan row
The Indian film industry has been abuzz with controversy surrounding Vijay’s latest film, ‘Jana Nayagan’, which has been denied a censor certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The CBFC’s decision has sparked a heated debate about the relevance and role of the censor board in today’s digital age. Joining the fray is renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who has never shied away from expressing his opinions on the matter. In a recent statement, Varma said, “It’s foolish to think that in today’s times, the censor board is still relevant.” He further blamed the film industry for allowing the CBFC to exist for so long, saying, “Censor board was born in an era when the state controlled the media, but today, any form of control is impossible.”
Varma’s comments have sparked a fresh wave of discussion about the need for a censor board in the 21st century. With the advent of digital media and the internet, the way people consume content has changed dramatically. The traditional methods of controlling what people watch and listen to are no longer effective, and the censor board’s role has become increasingly redundant. The fact that anyone can access any kind of content online, regardless of its certification or rating, has made the censor board’s job almost impossible.
The CBFC was established in 1952, with the primary objective of regulating the content of films and ensuring that they conform to certain standards of decency and morality. However, over the years, the board has been criticized for its arbitrary and often biased decisions. Many filmmakers have complained about the board’s interference in the creative process, and the unnecessary cuts and changes that are often imposed on films. The board’s decisions have also been questioned for being out of touch with the changing times and societal values.
Varma’s statement that the censor board “insults viewers” is particularly significant. The assumption that the board needs to protect audiences from certain types of content is patronizing and undermines the intelligence and maturity of viewers. In today’s digital age, people are exposed to a wide range of content, and they are capable of making their own choices about what they want to watch and what they don’t. The censor board’s attempts to control what people watch are not only futile but also insulting to the audience’s intelligence.
The ‘Jana Nayagan’ controversy is just the latest example of the censor board’s outdated approach to film certification. The board’s decision to deny a certificate to the film has been widely criticized, with many arguing that it is an attempt to stifle free speech and creative expression. The fact that the film has been cleared by the courts, despite the CBFC’s objections, is a clear indication that the board’s decisions are not always in line with the law or societal values.
The film industry’s silence on the issue of the censor board’s relevance is also noteworthy. While many filmmakers have complained about the board’s interference in the creative process, few have spoken out against the board’s very existence. Varma’s statement is a rare example of a filmmaker questioning the need for a censor board in today’s digital age. The fact that the industry has allowed the CBFC to exist for so long is a testament to the board’s ability to exert control and influence over the industry.
In conclusion, Ram Gopal Varma’s statement that it’s foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today is a timely and thought-provoking commentary on the state of the Indian film industry. The censor board’s outdated approach to film certification, combined with the advent of digital media and the internet, has made its role increasingly redundant. It’s time for the film industry to rethink its relationship with the CBFC and to question the need for a censor board in the 21st century. As Varma said, “Any form of control is impossible” in today’s digital age, and it’s time for the industry to move on from the outdated concept of a censor board.
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