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 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 discussion about the role of the CBFC in the film industry and whether it’s time to rethink its purpose.
Varma’s statement comes at a time when the film industry is grappling with the challenges of censorship in the digital era. With the rise of streaming platforms and social media, the traditional models of content regulation are being questioned. The CBFC, which was established in 1952, has been responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India. However, with the changing landscape of the media industry, many are questioning whether the censor board is still effective in regulating content.
According to Varma, the censor board was born in an era when the state controlled the media, and its primary function was to ensure that the content being produced was in line with the government’s ideology. However, with the advent of technology and the proliferation of social media, it’s become impossible to control the flow of information. “But today, any form of control is impossible,” Varma said, highlighting the futility of the censor board’s efforts to regulate content in the digital age.
Varma also blamed the film industry for allowing the CBFC to exist for so long. He argued that the industry has been complicit in perpetuating the censor board’s relevance, even when it’s clear that its functions are no longer effective. The filmmaker’s comments are a scathing critique of the industry’s willingness to work within the existing framework, rather than challenging the status quo and pushing for change.
The ‘Jana Nayagan’ controversy has brought the issue of censorship to the forefront, with many questioning the CBFC’s decision to deny the film a censor certificate. The film’s producers have alleged that the censor board’s decision is arbitrary and motivated by political considerations. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the need for a more nuanced approach to censorship, one that takes into account the changing dynamics of the media industry.
Varma’s comments are not just a critique of the censor board but also a reflection of the industry’s failure to adapt to the changing times. The filmmaker has long been an advocate for freedom of expression and has often clashed with the censor board over the certification of his films. His statement is a call to action, urging the industry to rethink its approach to censorship and to work towards creating a more progressive and inclusive regulatory framework.
The issue of censorship is complex and multifaceted, and there are no easy solutions. However, it’s clear that the current system is no longer effective in regulating content in the digital age. The CBFC’s efforts to control the narrative are often seen as heavy-handed and arbitrary, and the industry’s willingness to work within the existing framework has perpetuated a system that is out of touch with the times.
As Varma so aptly put it, “Censor board insults the viewers’ intelligence by treating them like children who need to be protected from certain kinds of content.” The statement highlights the patronizing approach of the censor board, which assumes that audiences need to be protected from certain types of content. However, in today’s digital age, audiences are more savvy and discerning than ever before, and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding ‘Jana Nayagan’ has brought the issue of censorship to the forefront, and Ram Gopal Varma’s comments have sparked a fresh debate about the relevance of the censor board. As the media industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that the current system of censorship is no longer effective. It’s time for the industry to rethink its approach to regulation and to work towards creating a more progressive and inclusive framework that respects the intelligence and dignity of audiences.
About the Author
