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 film director 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 round of discussion on the role and relevance of the CBFC in modern times.
Varma’s statement was in response to the CBFC’s decision to withhold a censor certificate for “Jana Nayagan,” citing certain objectionable content. The film’s producers have been trying to obtain a certificate, but the CBFC’s stance has led to a deadlock. Varma, known for his outspoken views, has blamed the film industry for allowing the CBFC to exist for so long. According to him, the censor board was born in an era when the state controlled the media, and its purpose was to regulate and censor content that was deemed unsuitable for public consumption.
However, Varma argues that times have changed, and the censor board’s role has become redundant. “Censor board was born in an era when the state controlled the media, but today, any form of control is impossible,” he said. With the advent of technology and the internet, people have access to a vast array of content from around the world. The traditional methods of controlling content, such as censorship, are no longer effective. Varma believes that the CBFC’s attempts to censor content are not only futile but also insult the intelligence of the viewers.
The CBFC’s decision to withhold a censor certificate for “Jana Nayagan” has been met with criticism from various quarters. Many have argued that the board’s actions are arbitrary and that the film’s content is not objectionable. The film’s producers have also stated that they are willing to make changes to the film to satisfy the CBFC’s objections, but the board’s stance remains unchanged. The controversy has highlighted the need for a more nuanced and transparent approach to film certification.
Varma’s comments have sparked a debate on the relevance of the CBFC in modern times. Many have argued that the board’s role is no longer relevant, and that it should be abolished. Others have suggested that the CBFC should be reformed to make it more transparent and accountable. The issue has also raised questions about the role of the state in regulating content and the need for a more nuanced approach to film certification.
The “Jana Nayagan” controversy has also highlighted the need for a more robust and effective system of film certification. The current system, which relies on the CBFC’s discretion, is often arbitrary and prone to abuse. A more transparent and accountable system would ensure that films are certified based on clear guidelines and criteria, rather than the whims of the censor board.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding “Jana Nayagan” has sparked a necessary debate on the role and relevance of the CBFC. Ram Gopal Varma’s comments have highlighted the need for a more nuanced and transparent approach to film certification. The film industry and the government must work together to create a more effective and accountable system of film certification, one that respects the intelligence of the viewers and acknowledges the changing times. As Varma said, “It’s foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today.” It’s time for the CBFC to evolve and adapt to the changing times, or risk becoming irrelevant.
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