Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Issues
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) of India, responsible for certifying films for release, is facing significant challenges in its functioning and governance.
Current State of the CBFC
- It is reported to function more like a "one-man show" with centralised authority.
- No official appointments have been made since 2017, and no meetings have occurred since 2019.
- Long delays in certification and demands for arbitrary cuts have been noted.
- Prasoon Joshi, a lyricist, has been the chairperson since August 2017.
Legal and Operational Concerns
- There is uncertainty regarding the legal status of the current board, which should have ended its tenure in 2020.
- Repeated instances of overreach into censorship have been reported.
- Notably, the film "Homebound," India's official selection for the Academy Awards, was reportedly altered significantly by the CBFC.
Impact of FCAT Abolition
- The Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) was abolished in 2021.
- Filmmakers now must approach a high court for redressal if they disagree with the CBFC, which is a resource-intensive process.
- Several films, such as "Dhadak 2" and "The Bengal Files," face delays or compliance with arbitrary cuts.
Broader Implications
Institutions like the CBFC are critical as they reflect processes beyond individual interests.
- Indian cinema's cultural resonance and global reach are significant, exemplified by the recognition at international festivals like Cannes.
- Excessive censorship stifles artistic vision and creativity, causing filmmakers to second-guess and alter their original works.
