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. Amidst this row, renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has come out strongly against the censor board, stating that it’s “foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today.” Varma’s comments have ignited a fresh discussion on the relevance and effectiveness of the censor board in today’s digital age.
Varma’s statement comes at a time when the film industry is grappling with the issue of censorship and the role of the CBFC in regulating content. The CBFC, established in 1952, is responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India. However, with the advent of digital technology and the rise of online platforms, the traditional model of censorship is being questioned. Varma’s comments reflect the changing landscape of the media industry, where control over content is becoming increasingly difficult.
According to Varma, the censor board was born in an era when the state controlled the media, and it was necessary to regulate content to maintain social order. However, with the proliferation of digital media, the concept of control has become obsolete. “Censor board was born in an era when the state controlled the media, and it was necessary to regulate content to maintain social order. But today, any form of control is impossible,” he said. Varma’s statement highlights the need for a rethink on the role of the censor board in today’s digital age.
Varma also blamed the film industry for allowing the CBFC to exist for so long. He argued that the industry has been complacent in its approach to censorship, allowing the CBFC to dictate what can and cannot be shown on screen. “It’s foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today. The film industry has been foolish to allow the censor board to exist for so long,” he said. Varma’s comments are a wake-up call for the industry to reassess its relationship with the CBFC and to explore alternative models of content regulation.
The controversy surrounding ‘Jana Nayagan’ is a classic example of the problems with the current censorship system. The film, which is a political thriller, has been denied a censor certificate due to its purportedly sensitive content. The CBFC’s decision has been criticized by many in the industry, who argue that the board is overstepping its bounds and stifling creative freedom. The incident has once again highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to censorship, one that balances the need to regulate content with the need to protect artistic freedom.
Varma’s comments have also sparked a debate on the role of the censor board in insulting viewers’ intelligence. According to him, the CBFC’s approach to censorship is patronizing and assumes that audiences are not mature enough to handle complex or sensitive content. “The censor board insults the viewers’ intelligence by assuming that they are not mature enough to handle certain types of content,” he said. Varma’s statement reflects the changing attitudes towards censorship, where audiences are increasingly demanding more freedom and choice in the content they consume.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding ‘Jana Nayagan’ and Ram Gopal Varma’s comments on the censor board have highlighted the need for a rethink on the role of the CBFC in today’s digital age. The traditional model of censorship is no longer effective, and it’s time for the industry to explore alternative models of content regulation. As Varma said, “It’s foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today.” The film industry must take a more proactive approach to censorship, one that balances the need to regulate content with the need to protect artistic freedom and respect the intelligence of audiences.
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