Foolish to think censor board is still relevant: RGV on Jana Nayagan row
The recent controversy surrounding Vijay’s film ‘Jana Nayagan’ not getting a censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has sparked a heated debate in the film industry. Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has weighed in on the issue, stating that it’s “foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today.” Varma’s comments have stirred up a conversation about the role of the censor board in modern times and whether it’s still necessary.
According to Varma, the film industry is to blame for allowing the CBFC to exist for so long. “The censor board was born in an era when the state controlled the media, and it was a tool for the government to exert control over the content that was being consumed by the public,” he said. “But today, any form of control is impossible. With the advent of technology and the internet, people have access to all sorts of content, and it’s impossible to control what they watch or read.”
Varma’s comments highlight the changing landscape of the media industry and how the censor board’s role has become increasingly redundant. In the past, the censor board was responsible for ensuring that films conformed to certain standards of decency and morality. However, with the rise of digital platforms and social media, people are now exposed to a wide range of content that may not conform to these standards.
Moreover, the censor board’s decisions are often arbitrary and subjective, leading to controversy and debate. The recent controversy over ‘Jana Nayagan’ is a case in point. The film’s makers have been denied a censor certificate, reportedly due to the film’s content, which is deemed to be too political or sensitive. However, this decision has been met with criticism from many in the film industry, who argue that the censor board is overstepping its bounds and stifling creativity.
Varma’s comments also touch on the issue of censorship and its impact on artistic freedom. “The censor board insults the viewers by assuming that they are not mature enough to watch certain types of content,” he said. “It’s a paternalistic approach that undermines the intelligence and judgment of the audience.” This is a valid point, as censorship can often be seen as a form of paternalism, where the government or regulatory bodies assume that they know what’s best for the public.
The issue of censorship is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, there is a need to protect children and vulnerable individuals from exposure to certain types of content that may be harmful or disturbing. On the other hand, censorship can stifle creativity and artistic freedom, and can also be used as a tool for political repression.
In recent years, there have been many instances of censorship in the film industry, where films have been banned or censored due to their content. This has led to a growing debate about the role of the censor board and whether it’s still relevant in modern times. Many argue that the censor board should be abolished, as it’s no longer necessary in the digital age.
Others argue that the censor board should be reformed, to make it more transparent and accountable. This could involve introducing new guidelines and regulations that take into account the changing landscape of the media industry. It could also involve increasing public participation and consultation, to ensure that the censor board’s decisions reflect the views and values of the broader community.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding ‘Jana Nayagan’ highlights the need for a broader debate about the role of the censor board and its relevance in modern times. As Varma said, “It’s foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today.” The film industry and the public need to come together to discuss the issue of censorship and how it can be balanced with artistic freedom and creative expression.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding ‘Jana Nayagan’ has sparked a heated debate about the role of the censor board and its relevance in modern times. Ram Gopal Varma’s comments highlight the need for a broader debate about the issue of censorship and how it can be balanced with artistic freedom and creative expression. As the media industry continues to evolve and change, it’s time to rethink the role of the censor board and whether it’s still necessary.
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