CBFC Cuts Words like ‘Pradhan Mantri’ & ‘Chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
In a recent move that has raised eyebrows in the Bollywood industry, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has instructed the makers of the upcoming film ‘Murderbaad’ to edit out words such as ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from a dialogue. The film, directed by Arnab Chatterjee, has been granted an ‘A’ certification, but only after the CBFC imposed these changes.
The controversy surrounding the film’s certification has sparked a heated debate about censorship in the Indian film industry. The CBFC has been accused of being overzealous in its efforts to regulate the content of films, leading to a stifling of creative freedom. In this post, we will explore the context of the controversy and the implications of the CBFC’s decision.
The Context: A Benign Joke
The dialogue in question was part of a scene in which two characters are discussing their aspirations. One of them says, “Main pradhan mantri ban jaunga, chaiwala ban jaunga” (I will become the prime minister, a tea-seller). The line was intended as a benign joke, poking fun at the idea of someone from a humble background rising to great heights. Director Arnab Chatterjee has emphasized that the line was never meant to be taken seriously and was simply a humorous way to express the characters’ ambitions.
Chatterjee has also pointed out that the line is not meant to be political, and that the intention was to be aspirational for the lower-middle class of our country. However, it seems that the CBFC took a different view, deeming the words “pradhan mantri” and “chaiwala” to be inappropriate.
The Implications: A Blow to Creative Freedom
The CBFC’s decision to censor the dialogue raises questions about the limits of creative expression in Indian cinema. The board’s remit is to ensure that films are suitable for public consumption, but this should not come at the cost of stifling artistic freedom.
By imposing such strictures, the CBFC may be inadvertently promoting a culture of self-censorship, where filmmakers are reluctant to push the boundaries of what is acceptable in fear of attracting unwanted attention. This can lead to a homogenization of content, where films become more cautious and less innovative.
Moreover, the CBFC’s decision may also be seen as a form of cultural censorship, where certain words or phrases are deemed inappropriate simply because they are associated with specific communities or professions. This can be seen as a form of linguistic and cultural policing, where the CBFC is imposing its own values and biases on the creative community.
The ‘A’ Certification: A Compromise
Despite the controversy surrounding the film’s certification, ‘Murderbaad’ has been granted an ‘A’ rating, which suggests that the CBFC has deemed the film to be suitable for adult audiences. However, the fact that the board imposed changes on the dialogue suggests that there may still be restrictions on what can be shown on screen.
The ‘A’ certification may be seen as a compromise, but it also raises questions about what other changes the CBFC may have imposed on the film. Was the board’s decision to censor the dialogue a one-off, or is this a sign of a broader trend towards greater censorship in Indian cinema?
Conclusion: A Wake-up Call for the Industry
The controversy surrounding ‘Murderbaad’ is a wake-up call for the Indian film industry, which must navigate the complex and often contentious world of censorship. While the CBFC has a crucial role to play in ensuring that films are suitable for public consumption, it is equally important that the board allows creative freedom to flourish.
As the industry moves forward, it is essential that filmmakers, producers, and the CBFC work together to strike a balance between artistic expression and regulatory responsibility. By doing so, Indian cinema can continue to thrive, free from the constraints of censorship and able to push the boundaries of what is possible on screen.
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