CBFC – Page 2

Loved Prasoon Joshi As The New CBFC Chief? These New Rules Might Change Your Views

Sep 062017

When former Chief of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Pahlaj Nihalani was sacked, many filmmakers celebrated that move. After all, Nihalani’s tenure was a dark era for the tinsel town and maker’s artistic liberty suffered, because of his famous cuts.

But people couldn’t contain their happiness when famous lyricist and poet Prasoon Joshi replaced him as the new CBFC chief. Most of the people in the industry called this decision a ‘progressive move’. But was it truly a good move?

Looking at the latest rules laid by Prasoon Joshi, we are sure makers are going to face a lot of problem and difficulty.

Prasoon Joshi's New CBFC Rules Are Concerning Many Filmmakers © Twitter

Apparently, he has given instruction to other members and officials instructing them to refrain from sharing any information regarding the film with the filmmakers. Well, the statement itself sounds like the producers are in for big trouble.

The new rules were introduced on Tuesday, according to which the suggested cuts by the board will not be informed to the filmmaker. It will only be after certification that the makers will know what happened to their film.

Doesn’t that already sound scary? From what certificate your film got, cuts, to the final timing of the film, the makers will be utterly clueless everything, until the certificate is given to them.

At least before the informal communication use to help the makers to negotiate with the CBFC. Both the parties could state what they felt before the CBFC certificate was officially given.

Prasoon Joshi's New CBFC Rules Are Concerning Many Filmmakers © Twitter

“Before we were told if the scene was supposed to be deleted or if the CBFC found anything problematic, this was the right to proceed with the things. What Prasoon Joshi is trying to execute is illegal, as per The Cinematography Act 0f 1952. The law clearly states that the examining committee will hear the applicant (producer or maker) before finalising anything. It’s a fundamental law and no one can change it. If he plans to do it, it is illegal. This new rule will cause a delay of many films as many times the certificate is issued just a couple of days before the film’s release”, says filmmaker Kumaar Aadarsh to MensXP.

“They can’t issue a certificate without the consent of the producer. If there is no cut it is then only the certificate is issued without any prior notice to the maker. When any kind of cut will arise by the examining committee, then a hearing takes place between the makers and the members. A certificate can’t be given until the maker expects the cuts as well. This is the law. The examining committee has the judicial power and without hearing no order can be passed,” adds Kumaar Aadarsh.

Like many makers, Kumaar has already faced many issues during Nihalani’s reign and the future doesn’t look so bright as well. If Prasoon Joshi plans to implement this new then, one thing can be said for sure, the coming days for B-town looks gloomy.

Tell us who do you think was a better CFBC chief now!

Pahlaj Nihalani Wiped Out All Sanskaar Out Of 'Julie 2' Trailer In His Quest To Clean Up Bollywood

Celebrities

Sep 052017

Former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani aka Alok Nath’s doppelganger (in terms of sanskaar) aka the master of cuts, has finally shed his ‘sanskari’ image and how. Honestly, had there been a world record for suggesting extreme number of cuts in any movie, with words ranging from f**k, screw, a****le, bi**h to even Bombay; Nihalani would have broken all of them. Having said that, the man who was known for demanding unnecessary cuts in a movie during his tenure, seems to be on a erotic trip these days and his latest video *cough* ‘Julie 2′ trailer *cough* is proof of how fancy his life after CBFC is. We guess all those innumerable cuts suggested were finally put to some using and that was to make the script of a ‘clean’ erotic movie ‘Julie 2′. ‘Julie 2′ is the sequel to Neha Dhupia’s 2004 ‘Julie’.

Check Out The Trailer Of Pahlaj Nihalani's ‘Julie 2' © Triumph

The movie that marks the debut of actress Raai Laxmi in Bollywood has already dropped many a jaws, partly because of the steamy scenes and partly because we weren’t expecting this overload of carnal ‘sanskaar’ from Nihalani. Having said that, by the looks of the trailer, the movie does not seem to offer anything new as it revolves around the same old practice of casting couch and how some sleazy producers and directors often dupe newbies into giving sexual favours for movie roles. And while our protagonist Julie narrates her ordeal, audience is taken through a series of random close up shots of her swimming in bikini, she undressing herself and a CID officer Abhijeet (actor Aditya Srivastava) popping out of nowhere to solve a murder case. The movie is directed by Deepak Shivdasani and also features Rati Agnihotri, Sahil Salathia, Ravi Kishen and Pankaj Tripathi. It is slated to release on October 6.

Well, we guess Nihalani is spot on with his job even after his ousting from CBFC. Earlier, it was reported that he once said he will clean up all the Bollywood movies and he did that with ‘Julie 2′ trailer – he wiped all the ‘sanskaar’ out from this movie.

Pahlaj Nihalani says 'Julie 2' is an 'adult' family entertainer

Celebrities

Sep 042017

Pahlaj Nihalani, along with the entire team of his upcoming film ‘Julie 2’ was present at its trailer launch, which stars the bold
and beautiful Raai Laxmi as the film’s central character.

The trailer of the film highlights erotic and sensuous scenes from the film, the reason the lead actress Raai Laxmi cited for it is ‘commercial purposes’.

In the past, films like ‘Udta Punjab’,’ ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha,’ ‘Babumoshai Bandookbaaz,’ and several other films have faced the wrath of Pahlaj’s harsh censor board’s scissors, whilst his tenure as the Censor Chief.

At the media interaction, when Nihalani was prodded with the question of what certification would he pass ‘Julie 2’ with, had he still been in the Chief’s chair?

To which, he fumed with anger and said, “I wouldn’t say anything, whoever is the CBFC chief, will do it. It’s a clean adult family film. I wouldn’t have given any cut, would pass it with A certificate. It’s a clear adult film. India is a place where nothing’s achieved without being a well-cultured person. Mai sanskaari tha, sanskari hu, aur sanskaari rahunga. (I am, was and will always remain a well-cultured person).

Contradictory to the film’s trailer, distributor Nihalani says, “There are no such bold scenes in the film. It is not an adult film which would act as an obstacle for me to not distribute the film. The sanskaari tag that people have given me, after watching the film people will realise why I’m distributing the film. People are reacting as though Julie 2 is a foul word.” Further talking about the subject of the film, distributor Pahlaj revealed,

Talking about using CBFC as a marketing tool, ex- CBFC Chief said, “We will not use it (CBFC) as a platform as a tool of marketing and publicity. Earlier, filmmakers, who wouldn’t market their film enough, would use CBFC as a marketing tool. “

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New CBFC Chief Prasoon Joshi Kick Starts His Career By Banning Punjabi Film 'Toofan Singh'

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Aug 232017

It has been nearly two weeks since lyricist and screenwriter Prasoon Joshi succeeded Pahlaj Nihalani to take over the position of the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) chief. And it seems that within 12 days of his joining, Joshi has already sent a movie into his recycle bin. ‘Toofan Singh’, the first film sent to Joshi for certification has been reportedly banned in India on the grounds of excessive violence. It is a Punjabi film directed by Baghal Singh and narrates the story of Toofan Singh, who adopted terrorism to fight politics and corruption in the Indian bureaucracy.

New CBFC Chief Prasoon Joshi Bans Punjabi Film ‘Toofan Singh' © Royal Cine Arts

According to a report published in DNA, a source from the CBFC said, “Toofan Singh is a terrorist, who goes on a rampage killing corrupt cops and politicians. And they’ve compared him to Bhagat Singh. The film is brutal and anarchic. We couldn’t empathise with its message of brute power, let alone grant it a censor certificate.” The film, however, has already been released overseas. Ranjit Bawa plays the titular role of Toofan Singh.

Joshi joined as the CBFC chief after Pahlaj Nihalani was fired by the government and we are sure Bollywood must have breathed a sigh of relief after his ousting. Nihalani was often at loggerheads with the directors for his unnecessary ‘cuts’ in films. If you think the word unnecessary is kind of weird to use here, well, don’t forget that he is the guy under whose leadership the censor board released a list of banned words that included ‘Bombay’ and over 30 other cuss words. Had Bollywood listened to him, then National award-winning movies like ‘Darr’, ‘Dabangg’, ‘Vicky Donor’, ‘The Dirty Picture’ or ‘Omkara’ wouldn’t have captured our attention like they did.

Source: DNA

Pahlaj Nihalani: Have not been given a reason for my sacking

Celebrities

Aug 202017

Pahlaj Nihalani

It has been over a week since Pahlaj Nihalani’s ouster as CBFC chairperson. Despite the popular notion that he had become “arrogant” and “power-hungry” during his tenure, the former CBFC chief says he adhered to his principles and did not claim a single rupee from the office during his 31-month tenure.

“The chairperson is not given salary as it’s an honorary post, but there are certain facilities which he can avail of. However, I did not use any of them,” he says. To drive home his point, Nihalani asserts that he even carried his own bottles of mineral water to the office. “I would buy water bottles and would use those in the office. I didn’t use the office car that was assigned to me, I used my own car instead. I shelled out money for the petrol from my own pocket.”

He further adds, “Whenever I travelled out of Mumbai, owing to my duties as a chairperson, I paid for everything — from air fare to the hotel bills.” Nihalani’s actions, he claims, were based on the simple idea of not wanting to burden the board in any way.

The biggest expenditure came in the form of the inaugural ceremony of the new CBFC office, in April this year. Pahlaj Nihalaniclaims that he paid Rs 3.5 lakh for the catering service and decoration of the office. “If you spend more than Rs 1 lakh for an event, you need to submit a tender for it. Such formalities take time to be processed. But, we had to organise the event at a short notice as Mr Amitabh Bachchan [the chief guest for the event] confirmed at the last minute. So, I did not have the time to submit a tender and hence, was not reimbursed.”

Also read: 5 times Pahlaj Nihalani suffered from foot-in-the-mouth syndrome

Nihalani says he would even shell out for the refreshment bills during the Examining Committee screenings, as he felt it was unethical to have the producers sponsor one’s food and drinks. “How will you do justice to their films if they are paying for your food,” he questions, adding that he would pay Rs 4,000 per screening. However, he doesn’t mind it, saying, “It’s a question of principle, not money. I must have spent more than Rs 10 lakh from my own pocket, but I am not bothered about the money.”

What has affected him deeply though is that despite being over 10 days, he hasn’t received intimation from the government about his ouster. “Till date, I have not been officially told that I have been replaced. I heard that the current chairperson has not assumed his duties yet. I had not taken a single day off when I was on duty,” he signs off.

Also see: Inside Photos: Riya Sen’s intimate haldi and wedding ceremony
Inside Photos: Riya Sen's intimate haldi and wedding ceremony

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Pahlaj Nihalani Used His Power One Last time To Cut Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline's Smooch From 'A Gentleman'

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Aug 162017

Well, 11th August 2017 was a day that gave many Bollywood makers the relief they have been looking for. After all, finally the reign of sanskari CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani came to an end. The way, makers, and creatives were upset with his way of working is not an unknown fact.

In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the man has literally treated CBFC like his own territory and demanded irrational cuts based on his so-called ethics and morals. Even though Bollywood was liberated from his terror, the man did manage to use scissors one last time on none other than Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez’s film, ‘A Gentleman’.

As per media reports, Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez’s long smooch has been cut from the film, because of course, our ex-CBFC chief doesn’t approve of lovers kissing each other on screen.

Apparently, the CBFC asked the co-directors Krishna DK and Raj Nidimoru to reduce the kiss timing. “The lead pair’s kiss just went on and on unnecessarily, just like the smooch in the James Bond film and Ranbir Kapoor-Anushka Sharma in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. We’ve asked them to take it easy. The film is titled A Gentleman, but the hero seems to forget his manners while kissing,” revealed a source to a leading daily.

So as per our understanding, what Mr. Nihalani means to say is that a gentleman can’t kiss his beau for a long time. Just wondering: how you kiss someone decides whether you are a gentleman or not? Haha!

Back to the film, the viewers are already excited to watch the two sizzle the screen once again. ‘A Gentleman’ is slated to release on August 25, 2017.

Vidya Balan's Appointment As A New CBFC Member Shows That Indian Film Is Progressing

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Aug 122017

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has finally made the required changes and people are quite happy with the news. Pahlaj Nihalani’s sansakri reign has finally come to an end and now the CBFC will be chaired by famous poet and writer Prasoon Joshi.

National Award winning actress Vidya Balan is also now the part of the reconstituted CBFC. Vidya is a self-made actress and is known for doing unconventional roles. She has being chosen to be on the board of CBFC members and it definitely looks like a wise decision, as she has often spoken in favour of creative liberty and film making.

On being appointed as the CBFC member, the actress wrote on Twitter, “I am very happy to join the CBFC and I hope to fulfil my responsibilities as a member to the best of my abilities. 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.”

I am very happy to join the CBFC and I hope to fulfill my responsibilities as a member to the best of my abilities. (1/3)

— vidya balan (@vidya_balan) August 12, 2017

I look forward to this new and exciting phase where our cinema will be allowed to reflect the sensibilities, realities (2/3)

— vidya balan (@vidya_balan) August 12, 2017

and complexities of the society we are living in today. (3/3)

— vidya balan (@vidya_balan) August 12, 2017

Other members who have been appointed are T.S. Nagabharana, Ramesh Patange, Vani Tripathi Tikoo, Jeevitha Rajasekhar, Gautami Tadimalla, Narendra Kohli, Naresh Chandra Lal, Neil Herbert Nongkynrih, Vivek Agnihotri, Waman Kendre and Mihir Bhuta.

As per The Central Government’s order, the reconstituting of the existing Central Board of Film Certification will take place with immediate effect for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Let’s hope the reconstituted CBFC board does not disappoint its members this time!

Pahlaj Nihalani Has Been Sacked As CBFC Chief And The Indian Internet Obviously Can't Keep Calm

Celebrities

Aug 112017

It looks like the entertainment industry can finally relax as Pahlaj Nihalani’s sanskari reign has come to an end. Nihalani’s tenure was a dark era for Bollywood and people’s artistic liberty suffered, because of his famous cuts. However, it’s time to rejoice. The Central Board of Film Certification has finally sacked Pahlaj Nihalani and way too many people are already celebrating this golden day.

11th August 2017, will go down in history books as the day Bollywood was liberated from sanskari Nihalani’s reign of terror. CBFC has finally given an ‘A’ certificate (A = axed) to Nihalani.

And now, famous lyricist and poet Prasoon Joshi will take the mantle. Many are optimistic about this change and feel Joshi is the right successor.

#BREAKING | #PahlajNihalani removed as #CBFC chief. Prasoon Joshi takes charge pic.twitter.com/1m0eK2sK7H

— EconomicTimes (@EconomicTimes) August 11, 2017

From treating the CBFC like his personal territory to asking for irrational cuts and imposing his sense of ethics and morals on the Hindi film industry, Nihalani was constantly in the line of fire. Clearly, he didn’t understand that his job was only to certify a film.

For people who are late, Nihalani has been in news for creating various issues while certifying various film. Be it Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Indu Sarkaar’ or Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’, he had issues with the content, scenes, and words being used in the film. He kicked off the biggest controversy when he refused to certify “Lipstick Under My Burqa”, which talks about female sexuality and desire, calling it a “lady-oriented” film. Very recently he ordered 48 cuts in Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Bidita Bag starrer ‘Babumoshai Bandookbaaz’.

Now that the news of Nihalani being sacked is out, the Indian internet can’t keep clam and is already celebrating the decision. Check out the reactions here:

Replacing #PahlajNihalani with #PrasoonJoshi is swapping uncool with cool, silliness with brains. Hope Smriti Irani will overhaul system now

— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) August 11, 2017

#PahlajNihalani replaced by Prasoon Joshi as the Censor Board Chief.

Anurag Kashyap right now: pic.twitter.com/XAmKIm1pp3

— Sand-d Singh (@Sand_In_Deed) August 11, 2017

Yes yes yes finally the dark times for Indian entertainment is over #PahlajNihalani is finally GONE!!
Prasoon Joshi, high hopes from you

— Sharanya Narayanan (@iamsharz) August 11, 2017

Indian Film Industry right now. #PahlajNihalani pic.twitter.com/5suwLRZohz

— Nikhil Wad (@nikhilswad) August 11, 2017

Finally, flowers won’t have to touch each each other for the sex that humans have. #PahlajNihalaniSacked #PahlajNihalani Pahlaj Nihalani

— Mihir Ved (@itsmihir1993) August 11, 2017

#PahlajNihalani : cut this scene.

Everyone : ab tu cut le.

— RoAdSiDe BaBa (@Roadside_Monk) August 11, 2017

#PahlajNihalani aka #SanskariNihalani sacked as the CBFC chief. Great positive move. To be replaced by @prasoonjoshi_
Kudos ðŸ‘? pic.twitter.com/rwUBWy0RgI

— Sarthak Sahu (@sarthak9394) August 11, 2017

Pahlaj Nihalini is gone. Producers to shell out more for marketing of their movie. Free ki publicity khatam. #SanskariNihalani

— Shareq Inamdar (@itssrq) August 11, 2017

While some ain’t happy with the replacement:

Prasoon Joshi has pretty problematic views on freedom of speech by the way. #PahlajNihalani #CBFC

— Zico Ghosh (@zico_gh0sh) August 11, 2017

Sanskari Censor Board Chopped 27 Scenes From Lipstick Under My Burkha But We Still Dont Understand Why

Celebrities

Jul 232017

From being in endless controversies for its content to Central Board of Film Certification deciding to ban it in our country, Lipstick Under My Burkha has finally hit the theatres on 21st July. And boy, people have amazing things to say about Alankrita Shrivastav’s alternative narration.

With all the debate and disagreement around the film, I went to watch the film thinking there will be a lot of sex scenes, abuses, audio pornography, etc. Or the film will portray everything against our so-called culture; women will suddenly go into the revolution mode, rebel against their husbands, go out and live that ‘independent’ life. But actually there was nothing as such, so I wonder what exactly was Mr. Pahlaj Nihalani scared of. To know all about this bold and brilliant film read our review.

Lipstick Under My Burkha (c) Twitter

Alankrita Shrivastava’s movie is about lives of four women living in Bhopal who have their sexual desires and needs but are scared to express it aloud because of the society we live in. Because Indian women are not supposed to be sexually active because it’s a man’s job.

Releasing a film like this wasn’t an easy task; after all Nihalani was very concerned about ‘log kya kahenge’. The film didn’t have a certification from the CBFC for a very long time but that’s not it. Here we also have a list of the scenes that were chopped off from the film in name of sanskar and sabhyata.

This list has been doing the rounds on the internet. It consists of 11 cuts made in the film and 16 cuts that the filmmakers did for CBFC’s satisfaction.

Lipstick Under My Burkha (c) Scroll

Well, well, well here’s a line from the film for all the honourable members of CBFC that we would love to get an answer from, “Lipstick maat lagao, affair ho jayega. Jeans maat pehno, scandal ho jayega. I want to ask the authorities aisa kya ho jayega? Humari azadi se aap itna daarte kyu hai?”

CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani wants ‘intercourse’ word removed from Jab Harry Met Sejal trailer

Celebrities

Jun 232017

srk-anushka-trailer-new Central Board of Film Certification chief Pahlaj Nihalani has pulled out his scissors yet again, with Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming comedy, Jab Harry Met Sejal becoming his latest muse.

Nihalani has objected to the use of the word ‘intercourse’ in the film, which features in the second trailer released on the internet on Monday. While airing the trailer online wasn’t a concern, that the uncensored version has been screening on television has upset Nihalani.

Talking to mid-day, he reasoned, “The trailer has to be played on television. Many children follow Shah Rukh Khan. They will watch the trailer and want to know the meaning of the word. The word intercourse has to go if the makers of the film want a UA certificate, which allows them to play the trailer on television.”

Should director Imtiaz Ali choose to retain the word, he will have to accept an A certification, Nihalani said. “Then, it cannot be played on television. They (the makers) will have to make the choice.”

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