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 debate about the relevance of the censor board in today’s digital age. 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 firestorm of discussion within the film industry, with many agreeing that the censor board has outlived its purpose.
Varma blamed the film industry for allowing the CBFC to exist for so long, saying that the censor board was born in an era when the state controlled the media, but times have changed. “Censor board was born in an era when the state controlled the media, and there was no other way for people to access information. But today, any form of control is impossible,” he said. With the advent of the internet and social media, people have access to a vast array of information and content, making the censor board’s role increasingly redundant.
The CBFC, established in 1952, is responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India. However, over the years, the board has been criticized for its arbitrary and often subjective decisions, which have led to delays and changes in film releases. The board’s guidelines, which were last updated in 1992, are seen as outdated and not in tune with the changing times. The rise of digital platforms and online content has further diminished the board’s relevance, as many films and shows are now being released directly on streaming platforms, bypassing the censor board altogether.
Varma’s comments are not just a criticism of the censor board but also a reflection of the changing landscape of the film industry. With the rise of digital platforms, the traditional model of film distribution and exhibition is being disrupted. Many filmmakers are now opting to release their films directly on streaming platforms, which offers them more creative freedom and flexibility. The censor board’s role in this new ecosystem is unclear, and many are questioning its relevance.
The “Jana Nayagan” controversy has brought the issue of censorship back into the spotlight. The film, which is a satire, has been denied a censor certificate by the CBFC, citing objections to certain scenes and dialogues. The film’s director and producers have argued that the board’s decision is unfair and that the film does not deserve to be censored. The controversy has sparked a debate about the limits of free speech and the role of the censor board in regulating content.
Varma’s statement that the censor board “insults viewers” is a scathing critique of the board’s approach to censorship. He argues that the board’s decisions are often based on a patronizing attitude towards the audience, assuming that they need to be protected from certain types of content. However, this approach is outdated and ignores the fact that audiences are now more sophisticated and discerning than ever before. With the internet and social media, people have access to a wide range of information and content, and they are capable of making their own decisions about what they want to watch.
The film industry has long been critical of the censor board’s approach to censorship, arguing that it stifles creativity and freedom of expression. Many filmmakers have complained about the board’s arbitrary decisions, which can delay or even block the release of a film. The “Jana Nayagan” controversy is just the latest example of the board’s overreach, and it has sparked a renewed debate about the need for reform.
In conclusion, Ram Gopal Varma’s comments on the censor board’s relevance are a timely reminder of the need for change. The censor board’s approach to censorship is outdated and ignores the changing landscape of the film industry. With the rise of digital platforms and online content, the board’s role is increasingly redundant. It’s time for the film industry and the government to rethink the censor board’s purpose and to find new ways to regulate content that are more in tune with the times. As Varma said, it’s “foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today.” The industry needs to move forward and find new ways to balance creative freedom with social responsibility.
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