CBFC reconstitution sets stage for revamp in Censorship rules post Pahlaj exit

New Delhi: With Pahlaj Nihalani, the 'bugbear' for the film trade for curbing the creativity of filmmakers, being removed as the Censor Board chief and replaced by ad man and film lyricist and writer Prasoon Joshi, stage seems set for an overhaul in film censorship rules as recommended by the Shyam Benegal committee.

Following the appointment of Joshi, stage is now set for the Government now taking action on the recommendations of the Shyam Benegal committee which had called for the restructuring of the Board and limiting its function to carrying out certification of films.The committee, in its recommendations, said the Central Board of Film Certification should be limited to being a certifying body and not impose cuts and modifications on the films.

The committee recommended more specific categorisation like UA12+, UA15+.It said that the A category be sub-divided into A, AC (Adult with Caution) categories.In fact, sources in the Information and broadcasting ministry say the Draft Bill for the new Cinematograph Act, incorporating recommendations of the Shyam Benegal committee, has been prepared and consultations are being held with stakeholders on the Bill .

The sources said the new draft bill has taken into consideration the recommendations of the Shyam Benegal committee for the restructuring of CBFC given in 2016.They said that the draft bill has also curtailed the CBFC's authority to recommend cuts or changes to a film before certifying it.

The sources said the changes in the Cinematograph act could be notified after the process of consultation with stakeholders is complete.Appointment of Joshi as CBFC chief has been welcomed by the film industry which hopes that the 'drastic' and 'unnecessary' cuts in films that marked Nihalani's tenure would finally become a thing of the past.

The feeling of optimism was reflected by filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor who said that the industry had high expectations from him.'Congratulations prasoonjoshi_ bahut ummeedein hain aapse (We have a lot of expectations from you),'the filmmaker said.Priya Dutt, the daughter of the late Sunil Dutt and sister of Sanjay Dutt also welcomed Joshi's appointment.'Congratulations to @prasoonjoshi_you are a breath of fresh air not only for the industry but for progressive narrative of the country as well,'she said.In a much-awaited move, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Friday removed Pahlaj Nihalani as CBFC chief and appointed ad man and film lyricist Prasoon Joshi as the new chairperson of the CBFC.

While appointing him as Censor board chief, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry also reconstituted the CBFC board, and included as its members film actress Vidya Balan, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri , Gautami Tadimalla, Narendra Kohli, Naresh Chandra Lal, Neil Herbert Nongkynrih, Waman Kendre, T.S.Nagabharana, Ramesh Patange, Vani Tripati Tikoo, Jeevitha Rajasekhar and Mihir Bhuta.Ever since he took over as Censor board chief in 2015, Nihalani had become the 'bug bear' for the film fraternity for curbing the creativity of the filmmakers by carrying out unnecessary cuts in films.

Calling himself a 'sanskari' Censor board chief, Nihalani evoked controversy with his decision to effect 'unwarranted' cuts in many a film , from 'Angry Indian Godesses' to 'Udta Punjab' to the James Bond film 'Spectre' to the recently released 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' to 'Babumoshai Bandookbaaz'.Nihalani drew flak from the filmworld for his decisions which included bringing out a list of swearwords that , he said, should not be included in films, even in films for adults.

He also drew flak for snipping out a kiss scene featuring Daniel Craig in the James Bond film 'Spectre'.Similarly, he was criticised for making unncessary cuts in films like 'Udta Punjab' , 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' and 'Babumoshai Bandookbaaz'.

The appointment of Prasoon Joshi had led to a feeling of optimism among the film trade, given his credentials of being a creative person - he has come up with beautiful lyrics for films like 'Black', 'Taare Zameen Par', 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Delhi-6' , and has won a National award for his lyrics for a song in 'Taare Zameen Par'.

On his part, Prasoon Joshi said that as the Censor Board chief , he will take cognizance of people's views while carrying out his work and would try to make as much difference as he could .'I am happy that the film industry has expectations from me.I have respect for the industry.

I will always try to take opinion of people, who have right and positive thinking because this is very new to me,'he said.Joshi said that even though he did not have any idea about the working of the CBFC, he believed in taking up responsibilities and would try to make a diffeence."I first need to understand the role and responsibility.

I don't have any idea about the CBFC functioning and my role as its chief.However, I feel I am a sensible man and I believe in taking responsibilities.I have always been a confident person and more than anything I think, we should do our work responsibly.I will try to fulfill my responsibilities as per the best of my abilities with my experience and guidance.With good intent, I would like to make as much difference as I can," he said.
(UNI)