CBFC cuts words like ‘pradhan mantri’ & ‘chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has once again made headlines for its seemingly arbitrary editing decisions. The latest controversy surrounds the upcoming film Murderbaad, which has been instructed to remove words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from a dialogue before receiving an ‘A’ certificate.
Directed by Arnab Chatterjee, the film is a thriller that explores the themes of power and corruption. According to the director, the removed words were part of a benign joke aimed at lower-middle-class individuals who aspire to become leaders. Chatterjee emphasized that the joke was far removed from any political stance and was intended to be a relatable and humorous moment in the film.
The CBFC’s decision to edit out these words has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the logic behind such cuts. The use of these words, which are commonly used in everyday Indian conversation, seems unnecessary and even counterproductive. After all, the purpose of a film is to tell a story and entertain the audience, not to sanitize language to the point of absurdity.
The incident serves as a reminder of the CBFC’s tendency to overstep its bounds and impose its own moral standards on filmmakers. The board’s actions often prioritize its own agenda over the creative vision of the filmmakers, leading to a stifling of artistic expression and innovation.
It’s worth noting that the CBFC’s decision to grant Murderbaad an ‘A’ certificate, despite the edits, may be seen as a compromise. The film’s director has expressed his disappointment with the decision, stating that the cuts have altered the tone and intent of the original dialogue. This is a common concern for filmmakers, as the CBFC’s edits can often change the very essence of a scene or character.
The controversy surrounding Murderbaad highlights the ongoing debate about the role of censorship in Indian cinema. Many argue that the CBFC’s strict guidelines stifle creativity and artistic expression, while others believe that some level of regulation is necessary to protect the sensibilities of the audience.
In this context, it’s essential to examine the CBFC’s guidelines and the reasoning behind its decisions. While it’s natural to want to protect the audience from explicit content, it’s equally important to recognize that censorship can have unintended consequences. By imposing its own moral standards on filmmakers, the CBFC can inadvertently promote a culture of conformity and homogenization, stifling the diversity and nuance that Indian cinema is known for.
Murderbaad’s experience serves as a reminder of the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to censorship. Rather than imposing blanket bans on certain words or themes, the CBFC should focus on providing guidance and support to filmmakers, allowing them to create content that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Ultimately, the CBFC’s decision to edit out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from Murderbaad may seem like a trivial issue, but it highlights the broader concerns about censorship and artistic freedom in Indian cinema. As the film industry continues to evolve and push boundaries, it’s essential that the CBFC adapts and becomes more flexible in its approach, allowing filmmakers to tell stories that are authentic, innovative, and engaging.
