The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday responded to Tamil actor Vishal's allegations of corruption against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Mumbai. Now, the actor has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for initiating an inquiry in the case. Taking to X (earlier known as Twitter), Vishal wrote, "I sincerely thank @MIB_India for taking immediate steps on this important matter pertaining to corruption issue in #CBFC Mumbai. Thank you very much for the necessary action taken and definitely hoping for this to be an example for every government official who intends to or is part of corruption and to take the honest route to serve the nation and not the steps of corruption." I sincerely thank @MIB_India for taking immediate steps on this important matter pertaining to corruption issue in #CBFC Mumbai. Thank you very much for the necessary action taken and definitely hoping for this to be an example for every government official who intends to or is… — Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) September 30, 2023 "I once again thank my Prime Minister @narendramodi and Maharastra CM @mieknathshindeand everyone involved in bringing out this initiative immediately. It brings a sense of satisfaction to a common man like me and others that justice will be served to people who are victims of corruption, Jai-Hind," he added. Earlier this week, Vishal had taken to social media to allege that he was asked to pay Rs 6.5 lakh by some members of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for screening and granting a U/A certificate to his film Mark Antony ahead of its Hindi release slated for September 28. The film was released in all four South languages without any hiccup on September 15. #Corruption being shown on silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Cant digest. Especially in govt offices. And even worse happening in #CBFC Mumbai office. Had to pay 6.5 lacs for my film #MarkAntonyHindi version. 2 transactions. 3 Lakhs for screening and 3.5 Lakhs for… pic.twitter.com/3pc2RzKF6l — Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) September 28, 2023 Vishal had shared that because he was late in submitting the film due to some technical issues, he was told by certain CBFC officials that he would have to pay half the amount for the film to be watched by the CBFC officials and the rest for granting it U/A certificate. In subsequent social media posts, the actor had also furnished proof. The issue of corruption in CBFC brought forth by actor @VishalKOfficial is extremely unfortunate. The Government has zero tolerance for corruption and strictest action will be taken against anyone found involved. A senior officer from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting… — Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 29, 2023 Responding to Vishal's allegations, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had shared that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved. The ministry posted the statement on its official X handle. Indian Motion Pictures Producer’s Association also reacted to Vishal’s claims. Abhay Sinha, the president of the association, wrote an official letter to Prasoon Joshi, the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, seeking immediate action against the wrongdoers. Mark Antony is a science-fiction gangster film which opened on a positive note in the South. The film is directed by Adhik Ravichander, and stars Selvaraghvan, Sunil, and SJ Suryah in pivotal roles.
