Over the last few years, the Central Board of Film Certification has made it to the headlines almost every time a movie was released because of all the wrong reasons. Whether it was the speculated ‘300’ cuts in ‘Padmaavat’ or the fact that a film like ‘Julie 2’ was cleared with no cuts, the authorities faced the wrath of the entire country.
But it seems like all our rants fell on deaf ears because CBFC is back at it again.
© Marvel
If you have watched the record-breaking ‘Black Panther’ over the last couple of days, you might have noticed that a word was unnecessarily beeped out in a scene. It’s when M’Baku, the Jabari Tribe chief challenges King T’Challa to a ritual combat to the throne of Wakanda, on a waterfall.
© Marvel
The dialogue was supposed to be “Glory to Hanuman” but the word ‘Hanuman’ was conveniently beeped out.
M’Baku is also known as Man-Ape in the Black Panther comics and the Hanuman reference was intended as a tribute to the God.
© Marvel
But of course, the CBFC thought that it might offend religious groups in the country and we all know how that would have ended.
Although this doesn’t exactly come as a surprise, as we all know by now that CBFC is capable of more stupidity than this. But that didn’t stop the Twitterati from reacting:
1. Couldn’t Have Said It Better
“Religious sentiments” is used just as a weapon by some people in our country to disturb the peace and harmony we have. #CBFC you need a good makeoverhttps://t.co/FFWLPZ5Vcc
— Aniaks (@Its_Aniaks) February 20, 2018
2. At Its Ridiculous Best
Apparently the Jabari in #BlackPanther worship Hanuman! But of course our ridiculous censor board mutes the word because ‘religious sentiments’. https://t.co/eiz2f9mck3
— Karthik Shankar (@kookykarthik) February 20, 2018
3. Let’s Not Even Go There
Thinking how far, wide, and high this would’ve been blown up if Pehlaj Nihlani was still CBFC chief.
Black Panther: CBFC reportedly muted ‘Hanuman’ reference in a scene from Marvel’s latest https://t.co/JskZKzLO40
— Jagat Rathore (@jagatr) February 20, 2018
4. Please Tell Us.
In what world does “Glory to Hanuman” affect Hindu sentiments?? Well played, CBFC! #BlackPanther https://t.co/UqjbuInRWh
— Gautham Gururaj (@gauthamgururaj) February 20, 2018
5. One Of The Biggest Problems For Sure.
You know what’s the biggest problem country faves?? Unnecessary religious sentiments that’s always ready to be… https://t.co/K6xyI8WjDa
— rahulrs (@rahulmani45) February 19, 2018
6. LMAO
The CBFC muting the word ‘Hanuman’ in Black Panther is quite surprising.
I thought they’d have banned the film just for that. 🤔
— Coconut Juice (@AarKuNine) February 19, 2018
7. Sigh
What is wrong with our censor board!? How the fuck would “glory to Hanuman” hurt religious sentiments? What is wrong with or country? https://t.co/qJT99mU4Vk
— Mihir Joshi (@mihirjoshimusic) February 20, 2018
8. Marvel Must Be Shocked Too.
Heard they muted #BlackPanther’s “Glory to Hanuman” in India so people aren’t offended. No one in Marvel has faced a supervillain like the @CBFC_India 😂
— Karan Madhok (@KaranMadhok1) February 19, 2018
9. Bonkers It Is.
WAIITAMMINIT! I’ve come across plenty of instances where the morons at CBFC have cut some scenes or muted some audio for stupid reasons, but holy shit, this specific muting of ONE word in #BlackPanther is just bonkers.
— Preshit Deorukhkar (@preshit) February 16, 2018
10. We Want To Know Too.
@CBFC_India crotchfruits decided to censor Hanuman out of Black Panther. What did you get out of it, fucknuts?
— Priyansha Mistry (@PriyanshaMistry) February 19, 2018
Censored or not, ‘Black Panther’ has definitely broken several records within a week’s time.
#BlackPanther emerged the first choice of moviegoers… Fared well in its opening weekend… Thu previews + Fri 5.60 cr, Sat 6.65 cr, Sun 7.10 cr. Total: ₹ 19.35 cr Nett BOC… Gross BOC: ₹ 24.81 cr. India biz… Note: Hindi + English.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) February 19, 2018
The movie has raked in amazing reviews not only from the audience but from the critics as well. And if you haven’t watched it yet, these reasons will definitely convince you.
© Sophia/Twitter
© Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions
