The censor board was established by the British rulers in 1920’s. The main motive behind the creation of such an authority was blocking US which carried anti-colonial sentiments or Indian movies which would politically heat up the anti- colonialism.
‘Udta Punjab’ was suggested 13 cuts and given ‘A’ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The producers of the film approached the Bombay HC against this. And fortunately for them, the film has to be cleared with a single cut and an ‘A’ certification.
Such kind of argument previously heated up for a movie called War and Peace by Pathwardhan which criticized India’s nuclear bomb. It was asked to make 21 cuts which raised remarkable questions.
Article 19 of the Indian Constitution providing Freedom of speech and expression is dragged into high controversies as censor board plays the role of reasonable restrictions. Even the Indian Penal Code restricts free speech on certain reasonable grounds.
Film makers claim that they must be provided freedom to exhibit their creativity and censor board hurts their soul when something really relevant with respect to the movie is cut off. But, isn’t the censor board doing its job according to the set guidelines and Cinematography Act, 1952? India is a sensitive country where a single issue can catch up so much heat. And, subsequently lead to political quashes and much more. “Censor board should not act as moral guardian”, many stated. The definition of morality differs according to circumstances and the board is a balancing body.
The irony is that the major concern of board is censoring scenes of violence and sex. Movies are not the only platform where these get promoted. One can have easy access to porn by simply typing a three lettered word ‘sex’ where the censor board carries a long discussion for curbing a long kissing scene. Legalizing child pornography is definitely not promotes but one needs to understand that the new generation is practicing freedom of speech and expression in true sense.
Striking a balance is an extreme need of hour. Censor board is definitely needed to monitor the release of films with questionable standards. However, on the other hand it is also necessary that the board does not grievously hurt the producers disturbing the true intent of the movie. Sometimes, the board directs the ends to the film makers, which is one of the examples of misrule and restricting creativity.
All that happened with the Udta Punjab case reasonably travelled through the right track. Censor board did its job. The filmmakers were unsatisfied. They approached court and everything got fairly in its right place.
BY: ANKIT RAJPUT
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