CBFC Cuts Words like ‘Pradhan Mantri’ & ‘Chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
In a surprising move, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has instructed the makers of the upcoming film, Murderbaad, to edit out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from a dialogue. The film’s director, Arnab Chatterjee, has expressed his disappointment over the decision, stating that the words were used in a benign and aspirational context.
According to a report by Mid-day, the CBFC has granted the film an ‘A’ certificate, but only after the makers made the required edits. The film’s dialogue in question features a character who uses the words ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ in a conversation, which apparently didn’t meet the CBFC’s standards.
In an interview, Director Arnab Chatterjee explained the context in which the words were used: “It was absolutely benign joke, rather aspirational for lower-middle class of our country, and far away from any political stance.” He expressed his surprise over the CBFC’s decision, saying that the words were not meant to be taken seriously and were used to add a touch of humor to the scene.
The decision to cut out the words has raised questions about the CBFC’s priorities and the standards they use to evaluate films. While it is understandable that the CBFC may want to avoid controversy or potential offense, it is also important to consider the context in which the words were used.
In this case, the words ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ are common terms in Indian culture and are often used in everyday conversations. The fact that the CBFC deemed them inappropriate suggests that they may be overstepping their bounds and imposing their own moral standards on filmmakers.
Moreover, the CBFC’s decision has sparked concerns about censorship and the impact it may have on creative freedom. Filmmakers rely on the CBFC’s certification to ensure that their work is suitable for public consumption, but the board’s strict guidelines can often stifle creativity and originality.
The incident also highlights the need for a more nuanced and context-sensitive approach to censorship. Rather than relying on a blanket approach, the CBFC should consider the specific context in which words or scenes are used and make decisions accordingly.
In conclusion, the CBFC’s decision to cut out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from Murderbaad is a worrying trend that raises questions about the board’s priorities and the standards they use to evaluate films. Filmmakers and audiences alike deserve a more nuanced and context-sensitive approach to censorship that respects creative freedom and encourages originality.
