Filmmakers,
CBFC and Judiciary
The Bombay High
Court asked the Central Board of Film
Certification, Chairman Pahlaj
Nihalani, that Udta Punjab be
granted a certificate in the ‘Adult’ category and allowed to be screened with
one cut and a disclaimer. The film depicts scenes related to drug abuse. The
court has served a reminder that certification, and not censorship, is the real
job of the CBFC. And that the changes and cuts must be exercised only in
line with provisions of the Constitution and Supreme Court orders. Its mandate is not to interfere with the
film-maker’s creative process and freedom of expression. In other words there
should not be an attempt to choke free speech and expression.
The Shyam
Benegal Committee, which recently submitted its report on norms relating to
film certification, recommended that the CBFC should be nothing more than a
certification body. It has suggested that films be classified on the basis of
their suitability to different age groups.
Freedom of
expression is one of the essential benefits of democracy. The art of portraying
the reality through entertainment medium is very old and popular method used by
artists/ directors/ writers/ poets and many others. Why there is no hype when a
singer dedicates a song related to real time situation? Maybe there is no censorship
or CBFC type body in that situation.
Bombay high
court's decision on film certification presents a grim picture of
administrative capabilities of CBFC. It’s unfortunate that even such cases also
needs to be addressed by courts.
Film making
involves a lot of creativity by its director and all who are involved with it.
Creativity can find its expression only with freedom to do it. Our Constitution
has taken care of any misadventure while letting enjoy this freedom under its
reasonable restrictions. By laying down certain standards based on prejudices
or anachronistic values and expecting film makers to work within those, will
create filth and not film. CBFC should raise its standards although there is no
doubt that it is doing a great job since its establishment, accommodating
changing values in the society.
In our country,
people have right to express what they feel. It is important for country’s
development that every person feels free in their domain unless it is
constitutionally illegal.
Filmmaker is one of the most creative
person, they present issues in dramatical manner that we Indians like. Film is
one of the best way to create awareness among public. Do not restrict freedom
of Film.
Thus this is the
story of duel between the filmmakers and the CBFC, and the all-binding and
decisive mediation by the judiciary.
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