Foolish to think censor board is still relevant: RGV on Jana Nayagan row
The recent controversy surrounding Vijay’s film “Jana Nayagan” not receiving a censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has sparked a heated debate about the relevance of the censor board in today’s digital age. 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 fresh wave of discussion about the role of the CBFC in the film industry and whether it’s time to rethink its purpose.
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 different time,” he said. “But today, any form of control is impossible.” Varma’s statement highlights the significant changes that have taken place in the media landscape over the years. With the advent of social media, online streaming platforms, and the internet, the way people consume content has undergone a radical transformation.
In the past, the CBFC played a crucial role in regulating the content of films, ensuring that they conformed to certain standards of decency and morality. However, with the rise of digital media, the notion of control has become increasingly outdated. Today, audiences have access to a vast array of content from around the world, and the idea of a single authority dictating what can or cannot be shown on screen seems archaic.
Varma’s comments also touch on the issue of insulting viewers’ intelligence. By implying that the censor board is necessary to protect audiences from objectionable content, we are essentially suggesting that viewers are incapable of making their own decisions about what they want to watch. This patronizing attitude is not only condescending but also undermines the audience’s ability to think critically and make informed choices.
The “Jana Nayagan” controversy has brought to the forefront the long-standing tensions between the film industry and the CBFC. The board’s decision to withhold a censor certificate for the film has been seen as an overreach of its authority, and many have argued that it’s an attempt to stifle creative freedom. The incident has also raised questions about the CBFC’s role in the digital age, where content is increasingly being consumed online, and the traditional models of regulation are no longer effective.
The film industry has long been critical of the CBFC’s approach, arguing that it’s often arbitrary and biased. The board’s guidelines are vague, and its decisions are often influenced by political and social pressures. This has led to a situation where filmmakers are forced to self-censor their work, sacrificing artistic vision and creative freedom in the process.
In recent years, there have been several instances of films being delayed or banned due to objections from the CBFC. These incidents have not only caused financial losses to the producers but also stifled the growth of the film industry as a whole. The “Jana Nayagan” controversy is just the latest example of the CBFC’s overreach, and it’s time for the film industry to take a stand against this outdated and oppressive system.
Varma’s statement has sparked a necessary debate about the relevance of the CBFC in today’s digital age. As the film industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to rethink the role of the censor board and its impact on creative freedom. The notion that a single authority can dictate what can or cannot be shown on screen is no longer tenable, and it’s time for the industry to demand greater autonomy and freedom of expression.
In conclusion, the “Jana Nayagan” controversy has highlighted the need for a fresh approach to film regulation in India. The CBFC’s outdated guidelines and arbitrary decisions have stifled creative freedom and undermined the audience’s ability to think critically. As Ram Gopal Varma has rightly pointed out, it’s foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today. It’s time for the film industry to come together and demand a more nuanced and progressive approach to film regulation, one that balances artistic freedom with social responsibility.
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