High Jack yet to be reviewed by CBFC, will get new release date

 Celebrities
Apr 192018
 

Owing to the procedural delay in attaining Censor Certificate, High Jack’s release is now postponed, with the makers scouting for a new release date

HighJack
Poster of the film

The release of Phantom Films’ next, India’s first stoner comedy film has been stayed by the Censor Board of Film Certification as the film has been sent to the revision committee.

High Jack was set to hit theatres on April 20, a date that marks to be World Stoner Day and was scheduled by the makers in context to the stoner theme of the film.

However, owing to procedural delay in attaining Censor Certificate, High Jack’s release is now postponed, with the makers scouting for a new release date.

Phantom Films spokesperson says, “High Jack won’t be making it to cinemas tomorrow as it has been referred by the CBFC to the revision committee. There is a procedural time involved for the process, and we will hopefully announce a new release date soon.”

The film revolves around a bunch of first-time hijackers, trying to hijack a plane. The first-timers along with the passengers accidentally get high, which results in a series of very funny, whacky series of events.

Later the film showcases the aftermath of what happens when passengers get stoned on the flight which further leads into a series of madcap adventures.

The trailer of the film showcases some madcap scenes and a unique concept, all happening in the sky has garnered love and appreciation from across the quarters.

The film stars an ensemble cast featuring Sumeet Vyas, Sonnalli Sehgal, Mantra, Sarthak Kakar, Kumud Mishra, Radhika Bangia, Priyanshu Painyuli and Adhaar Khurana.

Produced by Phantom films in association with Viu, High Jack is directed by Akarsh Khurana.

Also Read: A Gruelling Experience For The Cast And Crew Of High Jack

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

'S Durga' cleared by CBFC without any cuts

 Celebrities
Feb 212018
 

Malayalam film “S Durga”, which was dropped from the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) last year, has been cleared by the Revising Committee of the censor board without any cuts

S Durga
S Durga

Malayalam film “S Durga”, which was dropped from the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) last year, has been cleared by the Revising Committee of the censor board without any cuts.

The director of the film, Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, today said the movie is now eligible for public screenings, which had received a ‘U/A’ certificate from the censor board.

Sasidharan says he cannot wait for the film to release and is happy with the decision.

“They did not find anything wrong with the film. It is clear now that all that happened was done on purpose,” Sasidharan told PTI.
He also shared the new poster of the movie on Twitter, in which the title reads as, “S DURGA”.

The film courted controversy after it was dropped by IFFI’s Indian Panorama section at the last moment. The director moved the Kerala High Court and received a favourable verdict.

In light of the High Court order, a screening was organised for the festival jury members who sought the intervention of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

On the last day of the festival, the censor board ordered a re-examination of the film, thus derailing its chances to be screened at IFFI.

The bone of contention was the “white rectangular boxes” that followed the letter “S” in the revised title of the movie, which was initially named “Sexy Durga”.

In their affidavit to the Kerala High Court, the filmmaker had said that the white rectangular boxes in the title card of the film were nothing but white patches left in the print following the erasure of the letters ‘exy’ from the original title.

An eight-member Revising Committee reviewed the film on January 23 before clearing it without any cuts.

“The title of the film in the credit roll was shown as ‘S Durga’, without any ‘S ###’ i.e. the rectangular white boxes. The title ‘S Durga’ was the title already certifies by the CBFC, Thiruvananthapuram. It is apparent that the version exhibited for the Jury at IFFI, Goa was differing from the version exhibited for the Revising Committee. In the version shown they did not find any tampering with the title or the font of the title or visuals form as suggested by the Examining Committee,” the CBFC letter, shared by Sasidharan, stated.

The director and the makers have been advised to “only exhibit the version of the film”, reviewed by the Revising Committee.
Marathi film “Nude”, which was also dropped from the Panorama segment, recently received ‘A’ certificate from the CBFC, without any cuts.

Catch up on all the latest

No cuts ordered, only five modifications: CBFC chief on Padmavati

 Celebrities
Dec 312017
 

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has not suggested any cuts in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Padmavati”, but has asked for five modifications for the movie to get a U/A certificate, censor board chairperson Prasoon Joshi clarified on Saturda

 Deepika Padukone Padmavati
Deepika Padukone in a still from ‘Padmavati’

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has not suggested any cuts in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmavati’, but has asked for five modifications for the movie to get a U/A certificate, censor board chairperson Prasoon Joshi clarified on Saturday. Uncertainty has been looming large over the movie’s release since a few months, but on Saturday, CBFC — following a examining committee meeting — said it has decided to give a U/A certificate to the movie subject to modifications.

Setting the record straight, Joshi told IANS via email: “There are no cuts suggested in this film by CBFC, only five modifications.”

He said they have asked the makers to change the disclaimer “clearly to one that does not claim historical accuracy”.

Regarding the film’s title “Padmavati”, Joshi said the discussed change is to “Padmavat” as the filmmakers have attributed their material/creative source as the fictional poem “Padmavat” and not history.

CBFC has also asked the makers to modify the song “Ghoomar” to make the depiction befitting the character being portrayed.

That apart, they have demanded modification in the “incorrect/misleading reference to historical places”, Joshi said.

Additionally, they have asked the makers to “add a disclaimer which clearly makes the point that the film in no manner subscribes to the practice of Sati or seeks to glorify it”.

Joshi said these suggested changes “are completely in agreement with the filmmakers — the producers and director of the film”.

“Padmavati”, backed by Viacom18 Motion Pictures, is directed by Bhansali and features Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapur in lead roles.

The film, which was to release on December 1, has been embroiled in controversy over alleged distortion of facts regarding Rajput history, with Rajput outfits and some backed by the BJP, actively protesting its release.

A Parliamentary committee summoned Bhansali in November to resolve the issue, and the filmmaker had clarified that the “controversy over the film is based on rumours”.

“I have not distorted facts. The film is based on a poem by Malik Muhammad Jayasi,” referring to the 16th century Indian sufi poet’s epic poem “Padmavat”.

The CBFC then set up a special panel to watch the movie. The screening was held on December 28.

Joshi was present along with the examining committee members and the special panel, which comprised Arvind Singh from Udaipur, Chandramani Singh and Professor K.K. Singh of the Jaipur University.

“A long discussion ensued post which the filmmakers were met as well. The members of the panel had insights and also some reservations regarding the claimed historical events and socio-cultural aspects which were duly discussed at length,” Joshi said.

He said a special panel was set up “considering the complexities and concerns around the film” and “to add perspective to the final decision of the CBFC official committee”.

Joshi said the filmmakers, Bhansali Productions, “in a written communication to CBFC had themselves too requested for a special panel of historians/academicians and members of the Rajput community to view the film”.

Having a special panel was not a new precedent set by CBFC.

“(I) Can cite two examples; ‘Aarkashan’ wherein an eminent panel representing a concerned group was created and also in case of ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ wherein historical experts were called in.”

Overall, Joshi said giving the movie U/A certification “was an unprecedented and tough situation”.

“I am glad that following a balanced approach, we resolved the task at hand in a pragmatic and positive manner.”

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here.

Download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Padmavati row: CBFC asks Sanjay Leela Bhansali to change film name to 'Padmavat'

 Celebrities
Dec 302017
 

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has decided to give a U/A certificate ‘along with some modifications’ to Sanjay Leela Bhansalis controversial film “Padmavati” and has asked the filmmaker to “likely” change the movies title to ‘Padmavat

Deepika Padukone in PadmavatiDeepika Padukone in the movie ‘Padmavati’

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has decided to give a U/A certificate ‘along with some modifications’ to Sanjay Leela Bhansalis controversial film “Padmavati” and has asked the filmmaker to “likely” change the movies title to ‘Padmavat’. The film was also asked to give a few disclaimers — one of them regarding not glorifying the practice of Sati and also relevant modifications in the song “Ghoomar” to befit the character portrayed, a CBFC statement said.

The decision was taken after an examining committee meeting was held on Thursday in presence of CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi. The special panel consisted of Arvind Singh from Udaipur, Dr Chandramani Singh and professor K.K. Singh of Jaipur University.

According to the CBFC, the film was approached with a “balanced view keeping in mind both the filmmakers and the society”. The board asked for several cuts, and a name change, before giving the film the certification for showing in theatres in India. According to some reports, 26 cuts were ordered.

Considering the complexities and concerns around the film, the requirement for a special panel was felt by CBFC “to add perspective to the final decision of the official committee,” the CBFC said.

The final 3D application of the film was submitted to CBFC on Thursday (December 28).

The certificate will be issued once the required modifications are carried out and final material submitted, the board said.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here.

Download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

CBFC member Arjun Gupta wants Sanjay Leela Bhansali be tried for treason

 Celebrities
Nov 192017
 

With all the controversies ensuing over the release of ‘Padmavati’, it seems Sanjay Leela Bhansali would not be able to take a sigh of relief anytime soon. Arjun Gupta, a member of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, came out strongly against Bhansali and said that the filmmaker should be tried for treason for making such movies. ‘I have written a letter to Giriraj Singh and asked him to take strict action against Bhansali and he should be tried for treason,’ Gupta told ANI.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Gupta also noted that it has become a habit of Bhansali to tamper the historical facts in his movies, citing the example of `Bajirao Mastani’. He further added, ‘Bhansali has taken a lot of publicity for his film in this controversy. I’ve always said that he should show the movie to a group of historians first, but he did not. Instead, he showed the movie to some mediapersons, which is also a gimmick to earn publicity for his movie.’ The BJP leader also shared that Bhansali should have shown the movie to the CBFC first, but chose not to because he wanted to get more publicity out of all the controversy going on.

This is not the first time Gupta has written a letter to a minister regarding this matter. He previously wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh asking him to take cognisance into the matter. Meanwhile, CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi said that the makers of `Padmavati’ have disappointed the organisation by screening the film for the media and getting it reviewed on national channels before receiving certification. Joshi told ANI, ‘Disappointing that the film ‘Padmavati’ is being screened for the media and getting reviewed on national channels without CBFC having seen or certified the film.’

The movie is based on the legend of Rani Padmini, a Hindu Rajput queen, mentioned in Padmavat, an Avadhi poem written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540. The film, which features Deepika Padukone in the title role as Rani Padmavati, alongside Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji, is scheduled to release on December 1.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Vidya Balan skips film screenings of husband Sidharth and Aditya Roy Kapur

 Celebrities
Oct 072017
 

The Censor Board’s decisions on the certification of films are always scrutinised by the public, and Vidya Balan, with her 12-year-long experience in the industry, is aware of the criticism they can be subjected to.

Vidya Balan
Vidya Balan

It is no wonder then that the actor, who was appointed on August 11 on the reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification (CFBC) has decided to step away from exercising her duties for husband, producer Siddharth Roy Kapur and brothers-in-law, actors Aditya and Kunaal’s films.

A source tells mid-day, “She has decided to excuse herself from the CBFC screening of films that she or her family members are associated with. It was a conscientious move which was welcomed by the board members.” While Balan refused to comment about her move, her spokesperson confirmed the news to mid-day.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Govt sees CBFC as facilitator for filmmakers: Smriti Irani

 Celebrities
Oct 072017
 

Union minister Smriti Irani yesterday said the government views agencies like the censor board “as facilitators” within the ambit of law. She also said she never spoke about former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani because irrespective of the kind of cinema he makes, he is a senior member of the film fraternity.

Smriti Irani
Smriti Irani

The government recently replaced Nihalani with songwriter Prasoon Joshi as the censor board chief. Since his appointment as the head of CBFC in January 2015, Nihalani had made headlines for a number of controversial moves and statements. “We have had an unwritten rule, that irrespective of their kind of work we have always given respect to people who are senior or chronologically older than us…,” Irani said in conversation with filmmaker Karan Johar at the India Economic Summit here.

“I have never spoken about Mr Nihalani in public and I have chosen not to do so because irrespective of the kind of cinema he makes, he has a seniority,” the Information & Broadcasting minister said. “The only issue is that the government foresees an agency (CBFC) to be a facilitator within the ambit of law and that is all that we are interested in,” she added.

Besides, sharing his experiences and problems faced as a filmmaker, Johar said, “When the crisis happened during ‘My Name is Khan’ it is something that I will never forget. Mr (Narendra) Modi was CM (chief minister) of Gujarat at that time. “I called him because the problem was penetrating to Gujarat from Maharashtra. We got in touch with him and in 10 minutes the problem was sorted and that gives us as an industry a lot of hope”.

In a candid conversation with Johar, Irani touched upon the subject of nepotism surrounding the director. “I will say this as an actor, you (Johar) are in the news for the wrong reasons of late nepotism and all,” she said. Recalling her past experience with him as an actor, the minister said that Johar sees everyone with respect.

“I have seen you as a filmmaker even when I was a nobody. I had a huge amount of respect for you because you treated every person who walked up to you with dignity irrespective of whom their parents were, and I think that is what we need to set right about the industry, that the industry is not about nepotism, we are about talent.

“It is the Shah Rukh Khans that actually tell the world that we are about talent. It is about people like Ekta (Kapoor). I have seen scores of people line up from villages at her doorstep… that is what we are about, that is what you (Karan) are about also but you don’t tell anybody that. You like to take some very serious fights out in the open”.

Asked about the protests in Rajasthan against Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus “Padmavati”, the minister told Johar: “I am absolutely sure that the law and order situation will be under control there and state government will ensure that there are no miscreants to disrupt any kind of interaction or discipline and I will also say this that we
have a very watchful media so be rest assured”.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Vidya Balan meets with a car accident in Mumbai

 Celebrities
Sep 292017
 

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan has reportedly met with a car accident in Bandra, Mumbai. According to reports, the ‘Tumhari Sulu’ actress was on her way to Bandra for a meeting when another car rammed into hers and damaged it severely. Vidya Balan reportedly escaped the mishap and did not sustain any injuries.

Vidya Balan
Vidya Balan

A source told DNA, “She is fine and has not sustained any injuries. It was a minor accident that led to car damage and thankfully no one is injured.”

On the work front, Vidya Balan is gearing up for her next film ‘Tumhari Sulu’ where she plays a night radio jockey.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali had announced Padmavati’s release date as November 17, 2017 as soon as the shoot began last year. The historical will now release on December 1. The Vidya Balan-starrer ‘Tumhari Sulu‘ was to release on December 1, but was recently brought forward to November 24.

Also read: Vidya Balan didn’t want to lose right to slam CBFC’s decisions

National Award winning actress Vidya Balan was recently named a member of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). She said that she is looking forward to the new responsibility where cinema will reflect the society we are living in today.

“I am very happy to join the CBFC and I hope to fulfil my responsibilities as a member to the best of my abilities,” she told earlier. “I look forward to this new and exciting phase where our cinema will be allowed to reflect the sensibilities, realities and complexities of the society we are living in today,” she said.

Watch: ‘Tumhari Sulu’ teaser out, Vidya Balan will brighten your day!

Vidya Balan was named in the reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification, which is now chaired by writer Prasoon Joshi, who replaced Pahlaj Nihalani.

View Photos: Anu Aggarwal: ‘Aashiqui’ actress who fought coma, learnt tantric sex
Anu Aggarwal: 'Aashiqui' actress who fought coma, learnt tantric sex

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

'Aksar 2' song 'Aaj Zid' censored, deemed unsuitable for TV

 Celebrities
Sep 222017
 

A still from the songA still from the song

Bollywood filmmakers heaved a sigh of relief when Pahlaj Nihalani was ousted from his post as chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and welcomed Prasoon Joshi.

The move, it was suggested, would minimise the unwarranted cuts demanded in films that had made Nihalani infamous among contemporaries.However, going by the Board’s recent decision, it appears that little has changed after the new appointment.

Prasoon Joshi and Anant Mahadevan
Prasoon Joshi and Anant Mahadevan

Actor-director Anant Mahadevan’s upcoming thriller, the Gautam Rode, Abhinav Shukla and Zareen Khan-starrer Aksar 2, has become the latest victim of the Board’s censoring. The song in question is Aaj Zid. Interestingly, Mahadevan says he is yet to receive an explaination for why the CBFC thought the song was inappropriate for television audiences.

“I don’t know what the CBFC finds unsuitable for viewers. The song is on YouTube, and anyone who has seen it will tell you that it doesn’t have objectionable content. The romance between the lead pair hasn’t been shown inappropriately,” Mahadevan says, adding that should the Board be willing to reveal their reservations, he will consider implementing cuts.

“It seems that they [board members] don’t have a clue on how to go about the procedures. I hope that they consider their decision again and permit a television release, as it is part of our publicity plan.”

Trending Video

Watch video: Sussanne Khan saves herself from embarrassing ‘oops’ moment

Download the new mid-day android app to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go https://goo.gl/8Xlcvr

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

CBFC Clears Pahlaj Nihalani's 'Julie 2' With Zero Cuts & Irony Just Died A Brutal Death

 Celebrities
Sep 122017
 

Bollywood fraternity breathed a sigh of relief when Pahlaj Nihalani, the ‘too-sanskaari- to-handle’ Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification, was finally sacked.

The man made headlines every other day during his reign because of his insane demands to eliminate certain words and scenes from movies. He even disallowed the word intercourse in the trailer of ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’, reasoning that the Indian mentality is not ready for such progressiveness yet.

‘Julie 2' Gets ‘A' Certificate From CBFC With No Cuts© The Social Monk

Oh but how the tables have turned now in your favour, haven’t they, Mr Nihalani?  So when he was finally replaced by ace lyricist Prasoon Joshi, the Indian film industry and even the audience rejoiced. But the happiness didn’t last for long!

‘Julie 2' Gets ‘A' Certificate From CBFC With No Cuts© Twitter (Open Magazine)

Nihalani managed to stir the country by becoming the ‘presenter and distributor’ of an upcoming (erotic) thriller, ‘Julie 2′.

But, of course, he had an explanation for the same. When the trailer was released, he was of the view that ‘Julie 2′ should get an ‘A’ certificate because it is a “very, clean adult movie” even though the trailer was in complete contrast to his clarification.

‘Julie 2' Gets ‘A' Certificate From CBFC With No Cuts

He further added in an interview that ‘Julie 2′ should be given an ‘A’ certificate without any cuts. There is no vulgarity, obscenity or even a language problem.”Turns out, his dreams have come true as the movie has cleared the censors and has received an ‘A’ certificate from CBFC without any cuts. We repeat: no cuts whatsoever!

Mr. Nihalani is obviously on cloud nine now as he even expressed his happiness by saying, “This is just what I had hoped for. If I was still the CBFC chairperson, I’d have given Julie 2 an ‘Adults’ certificate with no cuts. It is a clean adult film for adult members of a family. Though it’s a film on an adult subject – the exploitation of strugglers and newcomers in Bollywood—the film has no nudity, no skin show, and no double-meaning dialogues. Like I said it is a family film for adults and the CBFC has done the right thing.”

The internet went ballistic when the trailer was released and didn’t shy away from calling Nihalani a hypocrite for peddling soft-porn, to which he conveniently replied, “Soft porn or soft corn, or harsh reality, let the film release. The world will know.”

“I can’t even”…“daf***”…“Ye kya bak****i hai”. Go on. Take your pick from these expressions while venting about this hysterically ironical moment!

via GIPHY

 Older Entries