The problem of releasing Kannada films has aggravated with the term of a member of the advisory panel having ended on July 15.
The term of Arundhati Nag, who was appointed to the advisory panel in May 2011, expired on July 15. The advisory panel has powers to review a decision, in case there are differences of opinion in the examining panel that certifies a film. Eight films, including Aryan starring Shivarajkumar, are waiting to get a censor certificate. Besides feature films, over 30 documentaries, trailers and advertisement films are waiting for certification.
The Bangalore Regional Office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is already in trouble because of the absence of members, especially women, in the advisory panel that certifies films.
According to CBFC regional officer M. Nagendra Swamy, eight Kannada feature films could not be censored owing to the absence of members. Of the 99 members, 92 completed their term on June 30, leaving only seven members to watch and certify films.
“Importantly, the term of all women members has ended. As per guidelines, each film has to be watched by five members, of whom at least two have to be women,” he told The Hindu .
The situation in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh is no different. Sources say that the CBFC of the two States is trying to get films certified in Mumbai.
B.M. Girish, secretary, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, said that attempts were being made to convince the government to appoint members to the advisory panel at the earliest.
“We have sent a list of 30 names, including seven women, to the CBFC. In all probability, the problem will be solved in the next two days,” he said.
Mr. Swamy took films Bahuparak , which hit the screens on Friday, and Miss Mallige to Mumbai for certification. “I am trying my best to convince the Mumbai office on the need to certify Aryan starring Shivarajkumar and Tirupathi Express starring Sumanth Shylendra Babu to facilitate their release next Friday,” he explained.
