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 Bollywood film, Murderbaad, to edit out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from a dialogue in the movie. The film’s director, Arnab Chatterjee, has expressed disappointment and confusion over this decision, stating that the words were used in a benign and aspirational context, far away from any political stance.
Murderbaad, a thriller film, has received an ‘A’ certification from the CBFC, which is a significant milestone for any film. However, the controversy surrounding the editing of certain words has raised questions about the board’s intentions and the impact it may have on the film’s storyline.
In an interview, director Arnab Chatterjee explained that the words ‘pradhan mantri’ (prime minister) and ‘chaiwala’ (tea seller) were used in a dialogue to highlight the aspirations of the lower-middle class in India. He stated, “It was absolutely benign joke, rather aspirational for lower-middle class of our country, and far away from any political stance.” Chatterjee added that the intention behind using these words was to showcase the struggles and dreams of the common man, rather than making any political statement.
The controversy surrounding the editing of these words has sparked a debate about the CBFC’s role in regulating the content of Bollywood films. While the board’s primary responsibility is to ensure that films adhere to certain guidelines and standards, some critics argue that the board’s decisions can sometimes be arbitrary and restrictive.
In recent years, the CBFC has been criticized for censoring certain words, phrases, and scenes in Bollywood films. For example, the board has been known to edit out swear words, suggestive scenes, and even certain words or phrases that could be perceived as offensive or controversial. While these decisions may be intended to protect the sensibilities of Indian audiences, they can also be seen as an overreach of the board’s authority and a restriction on artistic freedom.
In the case of Murderbaad, the CBFC’s decision to edit out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ may be seen as another example of the board’s restrictive approach to film certification. While the intention behind this decision may be to avoid any potential controversy or offense, it can also be argued that the board is overstepping its authority and restricting the creative freedom of filmmakers.
The impact of the CBFC’s decision on the film’s storyline and message is also a matter of concern. By editing out these words, the board is effectively altering the tone and intent of the dialogue, which may change the way audiences perceive the film. This raises questions about the board’s level of understanding of the film’s narrative and its impact on the audience.
In conclusion, the CBFC’s decision to edit out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from Murderbaad is a significant controversy in the world of Bollywood. While the board’s intention may be to protect the sensibilities of Indian audiences, its decisions can also be seen as restrictive and limiting the creative freedom of filmmakers. As the debate surrounding this issue continues, it is essential to consider the impact of the CBFC’s decisions on the film industry and the audience.
