Upset with the attempt of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to restrict sharing films on social media or television, Kannada cine producers have sought the intervention of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC).
For the past few days, CBFC has been asking affidavits from filmmakers to affirm that “no part of the film, promos and songs not certified by CBFC will be telecast on television channel or social media”.
Filmmakers termed the CBFC’s move “illegal” in the memorandum submitted to KFCC.
They also argued that if the CBFC has been empowered to impose restriction on uploading promos and songs on social media that should have been conveyed to the film fraternity through notifications.
They urged KFCC to ask CBFC to discontinue the practice in the absence of such a law.
Surappa Babu, secretary of Kannada Film Producers’ Association, said many producers were not coming forward to complain fearing consequences while getting their film certified. Receiving the memorandum, Umesh Banakar, KFCC vice-president, said the umbrella film body will write to the regional officer of CBFC seeking clarification.
“Can you imagine the success of Ondu Motteya Kathe if its promos and songs were not uploaded on social media?” he asked.
Attempts to contact CBFC regional officer D.N. Sreenivasappa were not successful. However, a senior officer in CBFC pointed out that uncertified content was being uploaded on social media, which, according to him, is being picked up by TV channels as well.
“We have found telecast of uncertified contents of the film. They were removed from social media, especially on YouTube when CBFC objected,” he said, asserting CBFC’s stand on getting affidavits.
He also pointed out the leaking of “objectionable” scene from Dandupalya 2 , removed by CBFC. “But, the scenes have gone viral on social media and CBFC was asked to explain,” he said.
Karthik Gowda, producer of Rajakumara , tweeted that censor for social media uploads was the “dumbest move”. Another producer on condition of anonymity said there was no law which seeks CBFC certificate for releasing teasers of films on social media. He said online promotion was cost-effective.
