Young cineasts protest CBFC ruling

Young movie buffs are mighty displeased with the Central Board of Film Certification’s decision to not re-certify ‘A’ films for TV viewing.

Recently, CBFC asked producer Mahesh Bhatt to screen his film Jannat 2 on TV post 11 pm only. An angry Mahesh took CBFC to Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) which ruled in Bhatt’s favour. Finally, a cornered CBFC declared that it will strictly go by the rules of the Cinematograph Act - 1952.

Chandramani Roy, a film-enthusiast and a budding filmmaker himself, says,
“Firstly, I think the 11 pm timing logic is ill-thought out. Families in cities today sit down for dinner at 11, children included. So how does it make sense to schedule adult movies post 11?”

 “Secondly, those who want to see these movies can see them anyway on the internet, CDs and DVDs etc.

The CBFC can’t stop thcontrovercial A still from Jannat 2.em. I would rather request CBFC to become more mature and allow these movies to be screened at whatever timing the producer and channel want. Those who don’t want to see it can always switch channels.”

Anushree Mathuria, another young filmmaker questions, “If adult films in Hindi have to be screened on TV compulsively post 11, how does one justify the movies on HBO, Star Movies etc. running the whole day.

They have enough violence, cuss words and sex in them to be banned for Indian viewing. If it’s only a question of obscenity, the language difference doesn’t give them any added aesthetics.”

Indira Dutta, creative head in a corporate communications firm, adds, “It is strange that today, when we advocate more openness, frank discussions and sex education on the one hand, we are closing these films for TV viewing on the other.

Isn’t there some kind of hypocrisy working here? Sex, for example, is a part of everyone’s life. You can’t go about covering it up everywhere.”

 “I especially feel bad about the brutal cuts made in films screened on TV. When these films come on TV, if you have seen the full version on a CD or in theatres, you will realise how meaningless, almost ridiculous they become after the edits. The meaning of the film is lost.”

Chandramani adds, “India is growing. I feel the CBFC should also act accordingly and stop being a moral inspector.

Films are a means of expression and they should be allowed to be made and viewed the way the makers want it.”