Censor and Sensibility

The censorship of Hollywood films in India has always been a controversial issue. The urban audience has often complained about the fact that chunks of these films are cut out or words beeped out to suit the CBFC’s sense of morality. The Board,in fact,was criticised for having had the expletives beeped out “unnecessarily” in Fincher’s last release,The Social Network. Thakur accepts that they made a mistake there,but blames such incidents on other factors such as a lack of communication between the Board and the studios. “We have been attempting to make censoring a joint process between the Board members and the filmmakers,where we can discuss and find a common solution to the issues. However,when a Hollywood film comes for censoring,the studios don’t bother sending across a representative with powers to take a decision,” says Thakur.

Citing the example of Dragon Tattoo,she adds that after the first set of cuts were suggested,Sony Pix didn’t communicate with the Board in an attempt to explain their position,and why they would like to retain those portions of the film,the way Indian filmmakers do.

Sony Pix and other international studios that distribute Hollywood films in India,however,have chosen to keep mum on the subject. A source from Fox Studios explains that since the creative call has to be taken by makers and studio officials in the US,it becomes a cumbersome process. “Besides,we are often faced with deadlines,which do not allow time for the change,” adds the source.

Since last April,the Board has been holding ‘Samvads’ or dialogues with filmmakers,distributors,producers,the media and members of the audience to bridge the gap. These are held periodically in the various regional offices of the Board. “The idea is to bust myths and to understand each other’s viewpoint,” explains Thakur. However,she complains that despite invitations,no representatives from any of the Hollywood studios has ever attended these Samvads.

However,this can perhaps be attributed to the general perception among the studios of the Board’s approach towards censoring. A source from Paramount says that CBFC has been partial towards Indian cinema,especially Bollywood. “The violence in Agneepath is grotesque,yet the film was passed with U/A rating. But Dragon Tattoo is not being allowed to release under an ‘Adult’ rating without cuts,” he points out.

The bill to accommodate a 15-plus rating is likely to be passed soon,under which,both Indian and international films with content like Agneepath can release without cuts.

Thakur further explains that CBFC has been making a conscious effort to move with the times. “We are trying to change the approach of the Board; we don’t wish to snip out parts and yet be responsible. If the audience feels it is ready to watch a film like Dragon Tattoo in all its entirety,then they should let us know,” she says.

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