CBFC Cuts Words Like ‘Pradhan Mantri’ & ‘Chaiwala’ from Murderbaad
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has been a topic of controversy in the Indian film industry for quite some time now. From chopping off scenes to editing out words, the CBFC has been known to take strict measures to ensure that Indian films adhere to the country’s moral and cultural values. The latest example of this is the CBFC’s decision to cut out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from the dialogue of the upcoming Bollywood film, Murderbaad.
Murderbaad, directed by Arnab Chatterjee, is a thriller that explores the darker side of Indian politics. The film has received an ‘A’ certification from the CBFC, but not before the board instructed the makers to edit out certain words from a dialogue. According to sources, the dialogue in question was a benign joke that was meant to be an aspirational comment for the lower-middle class of India.
“It was absolutely benign joke, rather aspirational for lower-middle class of our country, and far away from any political stance,” said director Arnab Chatterjee in an interview. “We were surprised when the CBFC asked us to cut out those words. We understand that the board has its own guidelines, but we feel that this was an unnecessary cut.”
The words ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ are commonly used terms in India. ‘Pradhan mantri’ is a Hindi phrase that translates to ‘prime minister’, while ‘chaiwala’ is a colloquial term for a tea vendor. In the context of the dialogue, the words were used in a humorous manner to convey a message about the struggles of the lower-middle class.
The CBFC’s decision to cut out these words has raised questions about the board’s priorities. While the CBFC’s intention may be to maintain the moral and cultural values of Indian society, its actions can often be seen as an overreach. By cutting out innocuous words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’, the CBFC is essentially dictating what Indians are allowed to say and hear.
This is not the first time that the CBFC has faced criticism for its decisions. In the past, the board has been accused of being overly sensitive and of imposing its own moral values on Indian films. The CBFC’s strict guidelines have also been criticized for stifling creativity and free speech.
The latest controversy surrounding Murderbaad is just another example of the CBFC’s overreach. By cutting out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’, the board is essentially censoring free speech and stifling creativity. It’s time for the CBFC to re-examine its priorities and to allow Indian filmmakers to tell their stories without interference.
In conclusion, the CBFC’s decision to cut out words like ‘pradhan mantri’ and ‘chaiwala’ from Murderbaad is a clear example of the board’s overreach and its attempts to dictate what Indians are allowed to say and hear. It’s time for the CBFC to be more nuanced in its approach and to allow Indian filmmakers to tell their stories without interference.
