CBFC Cuts Words like ‘Pradhan Mantri’ & ‘Chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has made headlines once again with its latest decision to cut out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from the dialogue of the upcoming film ‘Murderbaad’. The film’s director, Arnab Chatterjee, has spoken out about the cuts, stating that they were made to avoid any potential controversy.
‘Murderbaad’ is a thriller that has received an ‘A’ certification from the CBFC. The film’s plot revolves around a murder mystery that unfolds in a small town in India. The film’s makers had submitted the final cut of the film to the CBFC for certification, but the board had some concerns about certain words used in the dialogue.
According to reports, the CBFC instructed the makers to edit out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from a specific dialogue in the film. The words were used in a conversation between two characters, and the CBFC felt that they could be misinterpreted as having political undertones.
However, director Arnab Chatterjee has clarified that the words were used in a benign and aspirational context, and not as a political statement. In an interview, he said, “It was absolutely benign joke, rather aspirational for lower-middle class of our country, and far away from any political stance.”
Chatterjee also expressed his disappointment with the CBFC’s decision, saying that the cuts were unnecessary and had altered the tone of the film. He added that the film’s makers had already made significant changes to the script to comply with the CBFC’s guidelines, but the board still felt that the words needed to be edited out.
The CBFC’s decision has raised questions about the board’s approach to certification. Critics argue that the board is overstepping its bounds by trying to dictate what words or phrases are acceptable for use in a film. The CBFC’s role is to ensure that films meet certain standards of content and decency, but its decisions often seem to be driven by a desire to avoid controversy rather than to promote artistic freedom.
In recent years, the CBFC has made several controversial decisions that have sparked outrage among filmmakers and audiences alike. From chopping off scenes and dialogues to imposing ridiculous cuts, the board has shown a remarkable ability to stifle creativity and artistic expression.
The latest controversy surrounding ‘Murderbaad’ is just the latest example of the CBFC’s overreach. By cutting out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’, the board is sending a clear message that it is more concerned with avoiding controversy than with promoting artistic freedom.
It’s time for the CBFC to rethink its approach to certification. Rather than trying to dictate what words or phrases are acceptable for use in a film, the board should focus on ensuring that films meet certain standards of content and decency. By doing so, the CBFC can promote artistic freedom and creativity, rather than stifling it.
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