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 ignited a discussion on the relevance of the censor board in today’s digital age, where content is easily accessible and controllable.
Varma blamed the film industry for allowing the CBFC to exist for so long, arguing that the board was created in an era when the state controlled the media. “Censor board was born in an era when the state controlled the media, and the government had the power to dictate what people could watch and what they couldn’t,” he said. “But today, any form of control is impossible. With the advent of the internet and social media, people have access to a vast array of content, and it’s impossible to control what they watch.”
The CBFC, established in 1952, is responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India. The board’s primary function is to ensure that films comply with the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983. However, over the years, the board has faced criticism for its arbitrary and often biased decision-making process. Many filmmakers have accused the board of being overly conservative and restrictive, often cutting or muting scenes that are deemed “objectionable” or “offensive.”
Varma’s comments are not unfounded. In recent years, the CBFC has been at the center of several controversies, with many filmmakers accusing the board of being out of touch with the times. The board’s decisions have often been seen as arbitrary and biased, with some films being given a clean chit while others are subjected to cuts and edits. The CBFC’s guidelines, which are meant to ensure that films are suitable for public exhibition, are often vague and open to interpretation, leading to confusion and frustration among filmmakers.
The rise of digital platforms has further reduced the relevance of the censor board. With the advent of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar, people have access to a vast array of content that is not subject to the same level of censorship as films released in theaters. This has created a paradox, where films that are available on digital platforms are often more explicit and graphic than those released in theaters.
Varma’s comments have sparked a debate on the need for a more modern and nuanced approach to film certification. Many argue that the CBFC’s guidelines are outdated and need to be revised to reflect the changing times. Others argue that the board should be abolished altogether, citing the fact that people have access to a vast array of content online and that censorship is no longer effective.
The ‘Jana Nayagan’ controversy has brought the issue of film censorship back into the spotlight. The film, which stars Vijay in the lead role, has been denied a censor certificate by the CBFC, citing “objectionable” content. The film’s producers have appealed the decision, arguing that the board’s guidelines are outdated and need to be revised.
The controversy surrounding ‘Jana Nayagan’ is not an isolated incident. In recent years, several films have faced similar issues with the CBFC, with many being subjected to cuts and edits. The board’s decisions have often been seen as arbitrary and biased, with some films being given a clean chit while others are subjected to scrutiny.
In conclusion, Ram Gopal Varma’s comments on the relevance of the censor board are timely and thought-provoking. The CBFC’s guidelines are outdated, and the board’s decisions are often arbitrary and biased. The rise of digital platforms has further reduced the relevance of the censor board, and it’s time for a more modern and nuanced approach to film certification. As Varma said, “It’s foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today.” The film industry needs to wake up to the reality of the digital age and recognize that censorship is no longer effective.
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