CBFC Cuts Words like ‘Pradhan Mantri’ & ‘Chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
In a bizarre move, 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. The news has left many in the film industry scratching their heads, wondering why the CBFC took such a decision.
The film, directed by Arnab Chatterjee, has received an ‘A’ certification. According to Chatterjee, the dialogue in question was meant to be a benign joke, rather than a serious political statement. He claims that the words were used to poke fun at the aspirations of the lower-middle class in India, rather than taking a political stance.
The dialogue in question is a conversation between two characters in the film, where one of them says, “Maine pradhan mantri banne ki koshish ki hai aur aap chaiwala banne ki” (I’ve tried to become the prime minister and you’ve tried to become a tea vendor). Chatterjee has clarified that the dialogue was meant to be a humorous take on the aspirations of the common man in India, rather than a serious commentary on politics.
Despite the benign nature of the dialogue, the CBFC deemed it necessary to cut out the words ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from the film. Chatterjee has expressed his disappointment at the decision, saying that it was unnecessary and unfair. He claims that the words were not used in a derogatory manner and were meant to be a lighthearted joke.
The decision by the CBFC has raised questions about the board’s understanding of humor and its ability to distinguish between serious political commentary and a benign joke. Many in the film industry have expressed their disappointment at the decision, saying that it is an example of the CBFC’s overzealousness in censoring films.
The CBFC has a reputation for being overly cautious when it comes to censoring films. In the past, the board has been known to cut out scenes and dialogues that it deems to be offensive or objectionable. However, in this case, many have argued that the decision to cut out the words ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ was unnecessary and unfair.
The controversy surrounding the film has sparked a debate about the role of the CBFC in the Indian film industry. Many argue that the board has too much power and that its decisions are often arbitrary and subjective. Others argue that the CBFC is necessary to ensure that films do not promote violence, obscenity, or other objectionable content.
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, the controversy surrounding ‘Murderbaad’ is a timely reminder of the importance of freedom of expression in the film industry. The CBFC’s decision to cut out the words ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ is a prime example of the challenges faced by filmmakers in India, where the line between what is acceptable and what is not is often blurry.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding ‘Murderbaad’ highlights the importance of responsible censorship in the Indian film industry. While the CBFC’s decision to cut out the words ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ may have been well-intentioned, it is a prime example of the board’s overzealousness in censoring films. As the film industry continues to evolve, it is essential that the CBFC strikes a balance between promoting artistic freedom and ensuring that films do not promote violence, obscenity, or other objectionable content.
