CBFC Cuts Words Like ‘Pradhan Mantri’ & ‘Chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
In a bizarre move, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked the makers of the upcoming Bollywood film, Murderbaad, to edit out words such as ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from a dialogue in the movie. The film, which has received an ‘A’ certification, has been cleared for release, but only after the CBFC made these cuts.
According to reports, the dialogue in question was a benign joke about a character’s aspirations to become the Prime Minister of India, with the character referring to himself as a ‘pradhan mantri’ (Hindi for ‘prime minister’). Another line in the dialogue mentioned a character’s job as a ‘chaiwala’ (Hindi for ‘tea vendor’). The dialogue was intended to be a lighthearted and relatable commentary on the aspirations of the lower-middle class in India.
However, the CBFC apparently found these words to be objectionable and instructed the filmmakers to edit them out. The decision has sparked controversy, with many questioning the CBFC’s motives and the implications of such cuts.
The film’s director, Arnab Chatterjee, has spoken out about the controversy, saying that the joke was meant to be aspirational and not political. “It was absolutely benign joke, rather aspirational for lower-middle class of our country, and far away from any political stance,” he told the media.
It’s worth noting that the CBFC has been criticized in the past for making arbitrary and subjective cuts to films, often citing vague reasons such as “obscene language” or “objectionable content”. This move is just the latest example of the board’s tendency to overstep its bounds and impose its own moral standards on filmmakers.
The decision to cut these words from the dialogue raises questions about the CBFC’s understanding of what constitutes “obscene” or “objectionable” content. Are words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ truly offensive, or are they simply a part of everyday language in India? Did the CBFC feel that these words were too close to real-life politics or social issues, and therefore needed to be censored?
Furthermore, what does this say about the CBFC’s willingness to engage with the cultural and social context of the films it certifies? Is the board truly concerned with promoting a “healthy” and “wholesome” cinematic experience, or is it simply trying to exert its authority over filmmakers?
The controversy surrounding Murderbaad serves as a reminder of the importance of artistic freedom and the need for regulators like the CBFC to exercise restraint and sensitivity when reviewing films. Rather than imposing its own moral standards on filmmakers, the CBFC should focus on ensuring that films are safe for all audiences and do not promote violence, discrimination, or other harmful content.
In conclusion, the CBFC’s decision to cut words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from Murderbaad is a concerning example of the board’s overreach and its failure to understand the cultural and social context of the films it certifies. As the debate surrounding censorship and artistic freedom continues to rage on, it’s essential that we recognize the importance of protecting filmmakers’ creative freedom and promoting a healthy and diverse cinematic ecosystem.
