Producers urge CBFC to shed its ‘Victorian’ ideas

Joining the debate on the screening of pornographic films, precipitated by the resignation of Vijay Anand as Censor Board chief, a leading body of film makers today said the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) should shed its ‘Victorian’ ideas.

‘‘The CBFC should ensure that certification remains in compliance with society’s changing trends and is not meant to promote Victorian and outdated ideas,’’ Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers said in a letter to acting CBFC chairman Arvind Trivedi.

The letter makes a veiled attack on certain quarters and the style of CBFC’s functioning. It says that while producers had never advocated screening of pornography, they said the guideline be changed and updated.

‘‘The guidelines are so vague that today no one can make a film on Mahabharat, Quran or Bible because the contents of these religious texts can be considered in violation of the guidelines.’’