CBFC Cuts Words like ‘Pradhan Mantri’ & ‘Chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
In a recent development, 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 and surprise at the CBFC’s decision, stating that the words were used in a benign and aspirational context and had no political undertones.
‘Murderbaad’ is a thriller that revolves around a murder mystery and has received an ‘A’ certification from the CBFC. However, it seems that the CBFC has been quite particular about certain words and phrases used in the film. According to reports, the CBFC objected to the use of the words ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ in a dialogue, and instructed the makers to edit them out.
Director Arnab Chatterjee has spoken out about the CBFC’s decision, stating that the words were used in a harmless and aspirational context. In an interview, he said, “It was absolutely benign joke, rather aspirational for lower-middle class of our country, and far away from any political stance. We used it as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the struggles of the common man, and not as a deliberate attempt to make a political statement.” However, it seems that the CBFC was not convinced by Chatterjee’s explanation and insisted on the words being edited out.
The CBFC’s decision has raised questions about the board’s criteria for censoring words and phrases in films. While the board’s primary responsibility is to ensure that films do not promote or glorify violence, obscenity, or other harmful content, it is also important to ensure that the board is not overly cautious and restrictive in its approach.
In recent years, the CBFC has been in the news for its decisions on film certification. From cutting out scenes and words to rejecting films outright, the CBFC has been criticized for its arbitrary and often opaque decision-making process. While the board’s intentions may be laudable, its methods have often been seen as heavy-handed and draconian.
In the case of ‘Murderbaad’, the CBFC’s decision to cut out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ may seem like a trivial matter, but it is a symptom of a larger problem. The CBFC’s over-zealous approach to censorship can stifle creativity and artistic expression, and can often lead to unintended consequences.
For instance, the CBFC’s decision to cut out a scene from a film that depicts a character smoking may inadvertently promote smoking by making it seem like a taboo topic. Similarly, the CBFC’s decision to reject a film that deals with a sensitive issue like sexual harassment may inadvertently perpetuate a culture of impunity and silence.
It is therefore important for the CBFC to adopt a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to censorship. The board should strive to balance its responsibility to protect society with its responsibility to promote artistic expression and creativity. This can be achieved by having a more transparent and accountable decision-making process, and by engaging with filmmakers and other stakeholders to better understand their concerns and perspectives.
In conclusion, the CBFC’s decision to cut out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from ‘Murderbaad’ is a classic example of the board’s over-zealous approach to censorship. While the board’s intentions may be laudable, its methods are often arbitrary and restrictive. It is therefore important for the CBFC to adopt a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to censorship, and to engage with filmmakers and other stakeholders to better understand their concerns and perspectives.
