CBFC Cuts Words like ‘Pradhan Mantri’ & ‘Chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
In a surprising 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’s director, Arnab Chatterjee, has expressed disappointment over the decision, calling it an “absolutely benign joke” that was meant to be an aspirational remark for the lower-middle class of the country.
As reported by Mid-Day, the CBFC has given the film an ‘A’ certification after the makers made the necessary edits. The controversy surrounding the film’s dialogue has sparked a debate about censorship and the role of the CBFC in regulating content in Indian films.
The dialogue in question is part of a conversation between two characters in the film, where one of them says, “I want to become a pradhan mantri (prime minister) one day.” The other character responds by saying, “You should become a chaiwala (tea vendor) first and then think about becoming a pradhan mantri.” The joke is meant to be a lighthearted and relatable remark about the struggles of lower-middle-class individuals in India, who often have to start from the bottom rung of the social ladder before achieving their goals.
Chatterjee has clarified that the dialogue was never meant to be political or controversial, but rather a humorous observation about the realities of life in India. He has also expressed surprise over the CBFC’s decision to cut the words, saying, “It was absolutely benign joke, rather aspirational for lower-middle class of our country, and far away from any political stance.”
The CBFC’s decision to cut the words has raised questions about the level of censorship in Indian cinema. While the board is responsible for ensuring that films meet certain standards of content and decency, some argue that its decisions often go beyond what is necessary, stifling creativity and free speech.
In recent years, there have been several instances of the CBFC cutting scenes or dialogue from films, often citing concerns about “sensitivity” or “sensationalism.” However, many filmmakers and critics have argued that such decisions are often arbitrary and biased, and that the CBFC should focus on ensuring that films meet certain standards of content and decency rather than stifling creativity and free speech.
The case of “Murderbaad” is just the latest example of the CBFC’s strictures on Indian cinema. While the film’s makers have complied with the board’s demands, the controversy has sparked a wider debate about the role of censorship in Indian films.
In a statement, the CBFC said that it had instructed the makers of “Murderbaad” to edit out the words “pradhan mantri” and “chaiwala” because they were “sensitive” and could be “misinterpreted.” However, many have questioned the board’s decision, arguing that the words were never intended to be offensive or controversial.
The controversy surrounding “Murderbaad” highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to censorship in Indian cinema. Rather than simply cutting out words or scenes that are deemed “sensitive” or “offensive,” the CBFC should focus on ensuring that films meet certain standards of content and decency while also respecting the creative freedom of filmmakers.
Ultimately, the decision to cut words like “pradhan mantri” and “chaiwala” from “Murderbaad” is a reflection of the CBFC’s strictures on Indian cinema. While the board may have its reasons for making certain decisions, many have argued that its actions often stifle creativity and free speech, rather than promoting a more nuanced and sophisticated approach to censorship.
