Tamil actor Vishal's latest film, Mark Antony, was released in all four South languages without any hiccup on September 15, but he has claimed 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 U/A certificate to it ahead of its Hindi release slated for September 28. The actor, on Thursday evening, took to social media to raise the corruption complaint and call out those involved in it. The complaint has received responses from the Information and Broadcasting ministry and producers and directors' bodies in Mumbai. According to Vishal, he was late in submitting the film due to some technical issues, and was told by certain CBFC officials on Tuesday 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. #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 In an interview with indianexpress.com, Vishal elaborated on what happened and why he ended up giving the bribe. The incident took place on September 26, two days before the release of the film. "I wouldn't have given (the money) if it was a week before but just because of some technical issues we had to go a little late for censorship. Too much was at stake because the film had to be released on September 28 and the posters were out. Everything was ready and we didn't have any other option," says Vishal. He further informed that his first choice was to submit the film online as per regular procedure but then a lady official informed his team member that they had to pay Rs 6.5 lakh. The actor was asked to pay Rs 3 lakh before the official watched the film and Rs 3.5 lakh before the certificate was issues. "My manager called me and told me that because we are late, a lady is quoting Rs 6.5 lakhs to pay and we don't have time to think. She said that all bets were off and the officer wanted to know right now or move on. I took five minutes to gather myself after hearing this," recalls the actor. Vishal, who has been part of the Tamil film industry for a long time and given hits in his career, said that he had to pay to save his film and " to definitely bring out corruption happening in CBFC in Mumbai". He also shared that if he "went through hell to pay this, imagine the plight of smaller producers" The actor revealed that according to the CBFC official, many people are involved in this. "I was shocked because I never knew that corruption would go up to CBFC. When my man asked who are involved in this, she very blatantly told him that it goes up the ladder." The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting acknowledged the actor's complaint on Friday and announced that they have appointed an officer to investigate the matter. 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 The Enemmy actor is glad that action is being taken. He says, "I am glad because we look up to justice, to people above us who can nip corruption in the bud. Prompt action has been taken and I am thankful to Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and I am thankful to our honorable PM Narendra Modi." He added, "It's very alarming, and immediate action needs to be taken. I am not surprised, I am really happy that this is being done. This is not just for Vishal, the actor, but for the entire industry. This is for future producers and this should be an example. Everyone should be scared to take bribes in any government office in India." He goes on to demand action against the concerned officials. "Do take action against corrupt officials; the money is secondary. The action taken against corrupt officials brings about an example that nobody can take a common person for granted. Anyone in future will think twice about taking bribes. I have not done an adult film to pay for certification. I am expecting action first. Let the money go to charity, it is a cause, and cause is served," he said.
