CBFC Cuts Words like ‘Pradhan Mantri’ & ‘Chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has been at the center of controversy once again, this time for chopping out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from the dialogue of the upcoming film ‘Murderbaad’. The film’s director, Arnab Chatterjee, was left perplexed and disappointed by the decision, stating that the words were used in a benign and aspirational context, far removed from any political stance.
‘Murderbaad’ is a thriller that explores the lives of three individuals who are all connected to a mysterious murder. The film has received an ‘A’ certification from the CBFC, which means it is suitable for viewers aged 18 and above. However, the board’s decision to edit out certain words has raised eyebrows and sparked a debate about censorship in Indian cinema.
According to sources, the CBFC instructed the filmmakers to remove the words ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from a particular dialogue in the film. ‘Pradhan mantri’ is a common term used to refer to the Prime Minister of India, while ‘chaiwala’ is a colloquial term used to describe a tea vendor. The words were used in a joke in the film, which was intended to be lighthearted and humorous.
Director Arnab Chatterjee spoke out about the CBFC’s decision, stating that it was a “benign joke, rather aspirational for lower-middle class of our country, and far away from any political stance”. He added that the film’s intention was to show the struggles and aspirations of the common man, and that the joke was meant to be a relatable and humorous moment in the film.
Chatterjee’s comments suggest that the CBFC’s decision was unnecessary and overbearing, and that the words in question were not intended to be offensive or inflammatory. However, the board’s decision to edit out the words raises questions about the level of scrutiny and censorship that films are subject to in India.
The CBFC has a reputation for being strict when it comes to certifying films, and has been known to cut scenes and dialogue that it deems to be offensive or inappropriate. While the board’s intention is to protect the public from harmful or disturbing content, some argue that its guidelines are too broad and can sometimes result in unnecessary censorship.
In recent years, there have been several instances of the CBFC cutting or editing out content from films that it deemed to be offensive or inappropriate. For example, in 2019, the board cut a kissing scene from the film ‘Kedarnath’, citing “moral” reasons. In 2018, the board cut a scene from the film ‘Padmaavat’ that depicted a romantic relationship between a queen and a slave, citing “historical” inaccuracies.
The CBFC’s decision to edit out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from ‘Murderbaad’ is just the latest example of the board’s overbearing approach to censorship. While the board’s intention is to protect the public from harmful or disturbing content, its guidelines are often too broad and can result in unnecessary censorship.
In conclusion, the CBFC’s decision to edit out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from ‘Murderbaad’ is a worrying trend in Indian cinema. The board’s approach to censorship is often overbearing and can result in unnecessary editing or removal of content from films. While the intention is to protect the public, the CBFC’s guidelines are often too broad and can result in the stifling of creative freedom.
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