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. The CBFC’s decision to withhold the certificate has been met with criticism from various quarters, with many arguing that the board’s actions are outdated and unnecessary. Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has now weighed in on the issue, stating that it’s “foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today.”
Varma’s comments come at a time when the film industry is grappling with the role of the CBFC in the digital age. With the advent of social media and online platforms, the traditional methods of controlling content have become increasingly obsolete. Varma argues that the CBFC was born in an era when the state controlled the media, but today, any form of control is impossible. “The censor board was created in a time when the government had a stranglehold on the media, but with the rise of social media and online platforms, it’s become impossible to control what people watch and consume,” he said.
The CBFC’s decision to withhold the censor certificate for “Jana Nayagan” has been seen as an attempt to exert control over the film’s content. However, Varma believes that this approach is not only outdated but also insulting to viewers. “The censor board’s actions are an insult to the intelligence of the audience,” he said. “It’s assuming that the audience is not mature enough to make their own decisions about what they want to watch.” Varma’s comments highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to film certification, one that takes into account the changing times and the evolving tastes of the audience.
The film industry has long been criticized for allowing the CBFC to exist for so long. Varma blames the industry for not taking a stronger stance against the board’s actions. “The film industry has been complicit in allowing the censor board to exist for so long,” he said. “It’s time for us to take a stand and demand a more modern and progressive approach to film certification.” Varma’s comments have sparked a debate within the industry, with many filmmakers and actors weighing in on the issue.
The row over “Jana Nayagan” has also raised questions about the role of the CBFC in the digital age. With many films and shows being released directly on online platforms, the traditional methods of film certification are becoming increasingly redundant. Varma argues that the CBFC needs to adapt to the changing times and find new ways to regulate content. “The censor board needs to evolve and find new ways to regulate content,” he said. “It can’t continue to operate in a vacuum and expect to be taken seriously.”
The controversy surrounding “Jana Nayagan” has also highlighted the need for a more transparent and accountable film certification process. Varma believes that the CBFC’s decisions should be more transparent and that the board should be held accountable for its actions. “The censor board’s decisions should be based on clear guidelines and regulations,” he said. “It’s time for the board to be more transparent and accountable to the public.”
In conclusion, the row over “Jana Nayagan” has sparked a necessary debate about the role of the CBFC in the film industry. Ram Gopal Varma’s comments have highlighted the need for a more modern and progressive approach to film certification, one that takes into account the changing times and the evolving tastes of the audience. As the film industry continues to evolve, it’s time for the CBFC to adapt and find new ways to regulate content. The industry must also take a stronger stance against the board’s actions and demand a more transparent and accountable film certification process.