CBFC Cuts Words like ‘Pradhan Mantri’ & ‘Chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
In a shocking 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 film, which has received an ‘A’ certification, is a thriller directed by Arnab Chatterjee. The director has expressed his disappointment and surprise at the CBFC’s decision, calling it a “benign joke” that is “far away from any political stance”.
The dialogue in question is a humorous exchange between two characters, where one of them refers to the other as a ‘chaiwala’ (tea vendor) and jokingly says that he wants to become a ‘pradhan mantri’ (prime minister). The director has clarified that the intention behind the dialogue was to poke fun at the aspirations of the lower-middle class in India, and not to make any political statement.
The CBFC, however, seems to have taken a different view. By instructing the makers to edit out these words, the board is sending a clear message that even seemingly harmless language can be considered offensive or provocative. This is not the first time that the CBFC has been criticized for its strict censorship policies, but the latest decision has sparked a heated debate about the role of the board in regulating Indian cinema.
The controversy surrounding ‘Murderbaad’ is not limited to the CBFC’s decision alone. The film’s director, Arnab Chatterjee, has been vocal about the challenges he faced while making the film. In an interview, he revealed that he had to make several changes to the script to ensure that it met the CBFC’s guidelines. “The CBFC is a very strict body, and they have a lot of concerns about what can be shown on screen,” he said. “As a result, we had to make some compromises and alter the script to avoid any controversy.”
Chatterjee’s comments highlight the difficulties that filmmakers face when trying to make a movie that is both commercially viable and artistically satisfying. The CBFC’s strict guidelines can make it challenging for filmmakers to tell their stories in the way they want to, and the latest decision is a prime example of this.
The CBFC’s decision to cut out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from ‘Murderbaad’ is also a reflection of the ongoing debate about the use of language in Indian cinema. While some argue that language is a powerful tool that can be used to convey complex ideas and emotions, others believe that it is a medium that can be used to offend or provoke. The CBFC’s decision to censor certain words is a reflection of its own stance on this issue.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards more liberal censorship policies in India. The introduction of the ‘A’ certification, which allows for more mature themes and language, is a prime example of this. However, the CBFC’s decision to cut out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from ‘Murderbaad’ is a step backwards, and highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to censorship in Indian cinema.
In conclusion, the CBFC’s decision to cut out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from ‘Murderbaad’ is a disappointing and controversial move that highlights the challenges facing Indian filmmakers. The director’s comments about the film’s aspirations and intentions are a reminder that language is a powerful tool that can be used to convey complex ideas and emotions. The CBFC’s decision is a step backwards, and highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to censorship in Indian cinema.
