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 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 reignited the discussion on the role of the CBFC in today’s digital age.
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 tool for the government to exert control over the content that was being consumed by the public,” he said. “But today, any form of control is impossible. With the advent of social media, streaming platforms, and the internet, people have access to a vast array of content from all over the world.”
Varma’s argument is that the CBFC’s role has become redundant in today’s digital landscape. “The censor board is trying to control something that is uncontrollable. It’s like trying to hold water in your hands – it’s impossible,” he said. “The CBFC is insulting the intelligence of the viewers by assuming that they need to be protected from certain types of content. The audience is mature enough to decide what they want to watch and what they don’t.”
The “Jana Nayagan” controversy has brought to light the outdated guidelines and regulations that the CBFC follows. The board’s decision to deny a censor certificate to the film has been met with widespread criticism, with many arguing that the CBFC is overstepping its bounds. Varma believes that the CBFC’s actions are a result of its outdated mindset. “The CBFC is still functioning with a colonial-era mindset, where they think they need to protect the masses from ‘objectionable’ content,” he said.
The film industry has long been at odds with the CBFC, with many filmmakers accusing the board of being overly restrictive and bureaucratic. The CBFC’s guidelines and regulations are often seen as arbitrary and inconsistent, leading to frustration among filmmakers. Varma believes that the industry has been too passive in its dealings with the CBFC. “The film industry has allowed the CBFC to exist for so long because it has been convenient to do so,” he said. “But now, it’s time for the industry to take a stand and demand change.”
The rise of streaming platforms has further highlighted the need for a reevaluation of the CBFC’s role. With platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime offering a wide range of content that is not subject to the CBFC’s guidelines, the board’s relevance is being questioned. Varma believes that the CBFC needs to adapt to the changing times. “The CBFC needs to understand that it’s no longer the sole gatekeeper of content,” he said. “It needs to evolve and become more relevant to the times we live in.”
In conclusion, Ram Gopal Varma’s comments on the CBFC’s relevance have sparked a necessary debate in the film industry. The “Jana Nayagan” controversy has highlighted the need for a reevaluation of the CBFC’s role in today’s digital age. As Varma said, it’s “foolish to think that the censor board is still relevant today.” The film industry needs to take a stand and demand change, and the CBFC needs to adapt to the changing times. Only then can the industry move forward and provide the audience with the content they deserve.
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