CBFC Cuts Words like ‘Pradhan Mantri’ & ‘Chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has been making headlines lately for its strict guidelines and cuts in Bollywood films. The latest incident is the removal of words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from the dialogue of the upcoming film, Murderbaad. Director Arnab Chatterjee expressed his disappointment and surprise at the CBFC’s decision, stating that the words were used in a benign and aspirational context.
Murderbaad, which has received an ‘A’ certification, is a crime thriller that explores the darker side of human nature. The film’s dialogues were meant to be a reflection of the real-life struggles and aspirations of the lower-middle class in India. However, the CBFC seems to have taken issue with the use of words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ in the film.
According to reports, the CBFC instructed the filmmakers to edit out the words from the dialogue, citing concerns about their political connotations. However, Director Arnab Chatterjee has denied any political undertones, stating that the words were used in a lighthearted and humorous context. He believes that the CBFC’s decision is an attempt to stifle creativity and freedom of expression.
The use of words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ in the film is a nod to the everyday struggles and aspirations of the lower-middle class in India. These words are often used in everyday conversation and are not meant to be taken as a political statement. The CBFC’s decision to cut them out of the film is a reflection of its strict and sometimes arbitrary guidelines.
The CBFC’s decision has sparked a debate about censorship and freedom of expression in India. Many have argued that the CBFC’s guidelines are too strict and stifling, and that they often prioritize political correctness over artistic expression. Others have argued that the CBFC is necessary to ensure that films do not promote violence, obscenity, or other harmful content.
However, the CBFC’s decision to cut out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from Murderbaad is a clear example of its overreach. The words were used in a benign and aspirational context, and their removal is unnecessary and heavy-handed. It is a clear case of the CBFC trying to impose its own moral and political values on the film, rather than allowing the filmmakers to tell their story in their own way.
The CBFC’s decision has also sparked a debate about the importance of context in film censorship. The words ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ are often used in everyday conversation, and their meaning and connotation can vary depending on the context in which they are used. The CBFC’s decision to cut them out of the film is a reflection of its failure to consider the context in which the words are used.
In conclusion, the CBFC’s decision to cut out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from Murderbaad is a clear example of its overreach and failure to consider the context in which the words are used. The film’s director, Arnab Chatterjee, has expressed his disappointment and surprise at the CBFC’s decision, and has denied any political undertones. The CBFC’s decision is a reflection of its strict and sometimes arbitrary guidelines, and raises important questions about censorship and freedom of expression in India.
