The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has recently caused a stir in the film industry by refusing to issue a certificate for the trailer of the highly anticipated National Award-winning film, “72 Hoorain.” This decision has raised concerns about creative freedom and censorship, leading to a heated debate within the industry and among the public. The film’s co-producer, Ashoke Pandit, has criticized the CBFC’s decision and called for accountability from its authorities, particularly its chairman, Prasoon Joshi.
CBFC’s Decision and Filmmaker’s Reaction:
The refusal of the CBFC to grant a certificate to the trailer of “72 Hoorain” has come as a surprise to the filmmakers and has sparked controversy. Ashoke Pandit, one of the co-producers of the film, expressed his dismay at the board’s decision. Pandit highlighted specific objections raised by the CBFC, including the depiction of a dead body’s feet and a reference to the Qur’an. He argued that since the film itself had already been granted a censor certificate, the rejection of the trailer seems inconsistent and raises questions about the CBFC’s decision-making process.
Pandit’s Criticism and Call for Accountability:
Upset with the CBFC’s decision, Ashoke Pandit strongly criticized the board, asserting that there must be something amiss within the organization. He accused certain members of being “black sheep” and called for Prasoon Joshi, the chairman of the CBFC, to take responsibility for the rejection. Pandit emphasized the significance of “72 Hoorain” being a National Award-winning film and expressed his intention to raise the issue with higher authorities and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) to seek intervention.
Debates on Creative Freedom and Censorship:
The CBFC’s refusal to grant a certificate to the trailer of “72 Hoorain” has reignited debates on creative freedom and censorship in the film industry. Critics argue that the board’s decision infringes on the artistic integrity of the filmmakers and restricts their ability to express their vision. They contend that such censorship hampers the growth and diversity of Indian cinema, discouraging filmmakers from exploring complex and thought-provoking subjects.
Supporters of the CBFC’s decision argue that certain content may need to be regulated to maintain cultural sensitivity, uphold moral values, and prevent potential social unrest. They believe that the CBFC plays a vital role in ensuring responsible filmmaking and protecting the interests of different communities.
The Way Forward:
With the trailer of “72 Hoorain” set to be released digitally on June 28, the filmmakers remain determined to showcase their work despite the CBFC’s rejection. They plan to escalate the matter to higher authorities and seek intervention from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This case highlights the ongoing struggle between filmmakers seeking creative freedom and a censorship board attempting to strike a balance between artistic expression and societal considerations.
The refusal by the CBFC to issue a certificate for the trailer of “72 Hoorain” has sparked discussions on creative freedom, censorship, and the role of the certification board in the Indian film industry. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the authorities will address these concerns and ensure a fair and transparent system that respects the creative vision of filmmakers while considering cultural sensitivities and social values.