The Kannada film industry, which often complains of scarcity of screens to release movies, is facing a peculiar problem this time round. Though the exhibitors are ready to screen, they don’t have Kannada movies to show.
Film producers and officials of the Regional office of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) are blaming each other for the crisis.
While the producers are citing shortage of members, especially women members, in the advisory panel in CBFC to watch and certify films, the board is refuting their claim and blaming them for not complying with the norms of the Board.
In the tussle between the Board and film producers, some Kannada films, which were released last week, are getting an extended run or additional screens.
The release of six films — Srinivasa Kalyana by M.G. Srinivas, Panta of S. Narayan and Vardhana of S.K. Nagendra, Mana Manthana by Suresh Heblikar, Tonic of Samarth Creations and Preethi Prema of Kashi — had been announced this week. Mana Manthana , Tonic and Preethi Prema, are being released on Friday.
While film industry sources claims that as many as 13 films are waiting for a certificate from CBFC, M. Srinivasappa, CBFC officer at Bengaluru region, says that only six are pending. However, he admits that there is shortage of members in the advisory panel.
The crux of the problem appears to be the paucity of women members. As per the guidelines, each film has to be watched by five, of whom at least two have to be women.
According to Mr. Srinivasappa, the number of members on the advisory panel is shrinking by the day.
“In 2014-15, number of members in the advisory panel was 80 including 40 women. The number of women reduced to 16 in 2015-16 and now there are only five members,” he explained. “We have communicated the situation to the Central office in Mumbai and are waiting to fill the vacant posts,” he adds.
As per norms, the board will issue a certificate within 21 days of a producer submitting application complying with all the norms.
The board says that most producers do not provide all the necessary documents, which causes the delay. “Announcing the release date without getting a certificate is their problem,” he argued.
