CBFC Cuts Words like ‘Pradhan Mantri’ & ‘Chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
In a recent move that has raised eyebrows in the film industry, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has instructed the makers of the upcoming film, Murderbaad, to edit out words such as ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from a dialogue in the movie. The decision has sparked a debate about the extent to which the CBFC should intervene in the creative process of filmmakers.
According to reports, the CBFC had asked the director, Arnab Chatterjee, to remove the words from the dialogue before granting the film an ‘A’ certificate. The words, which are commonly used in Indian culture to refer to the Prime Minister and a tea vendor, respectively, were deemed inappropriate by the certification board.
In an interview, Chatterjee expressed his disappointment and frustration with the decision, stating that the words were used in a benign and aspirational context. “It was an absolutely benign joke, rather aspirational for lower-middle-class people of our country, and far away from any political stance,” he said.
The decision has sparked a debate about the role of the CBFC in the film industry. While the board is responsible for ensuring that films comply with certain guidelines and standards, some argue that it has overstepped its bounds in this case.
“Filmmakers should be given the freedom to create and express themselves without unnecessary interference,” said a film critic. “The CBFC should focus on ensuring that the film is not offensive or harmful to society, rather than nitpicking over trivial issues.”
Others argue that the CBFC has a responsibility to ensure that films do not promote or perpetuate negative stereotypes or biases. “The use of words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ may be innocuous in themselves, but they can still be used to perpetuate negative stereotypes or biases,” said a social commentator.
The decision has also raised questions about the impact it may have on the creative process of filmmakers. “The CBFC’s decision is a worrying trend,” said Chatterjee. “It sends a message to filmmakers that they are not trusted to make responsible choices, and that the board will intervene in their creative decisions.”
The film, Murderbaad, is a thriller that explores themes of power and corruption in contemporary India. The decision to cut the words from the dialogue has been seen as a blow to the film’s creative integrity and has sparked concerns about the extent to which the CBFC will intervene in the film industry.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the CBFC will balance its responsibility to ensure that films comply with certain guidelines and standards with the need to give filmmakers the freedom to create and express themselves.
