The Central Board of Film Certification’s reasons for cutting scenes from Udta Punjab are irrational (“Never in Punjab”, June 9). One the one hand, we have our Prime Minister speaking about freedom of speech in the U.S.; on the other, such moves violate that very freedom.
Bollywood movies are generally criticised for lack of good content. But whenever a good film comes out ( Aligarh, Udta Punjab, Margarita With a Straw, Fire ), the CBFC has some problem or the other. The irony is that films like Mastizaade, Ragini MMS, and Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 are released with minimal cuts.
Art loses its relevance when it starts having limitations. Political parties should stop playing politics in every field. They have other important issues to solve. Shyam Benegal, who headed the government-appointed revamp panel of the CBFC, has said the film is “very well-made”. The CBFC should respect his views and let the audience decide what to watch and what not to watch. Otherwise instead of Kapil Sharma’s show, people will start following the actions of the CBFC for comedy.
Nisha Yadav,Dahina, Haryana
Why has the CBFC never raised any objection against films that are misogynistic? Violence against women, like the drug problem, is a huge menace — not only in one State but in the whole country. Second, if Udta Punjab creates awareness about the drug problem in Punjab, what is the problem? All this is a dirty play of politics.
Vibhuti Mehta,New Delhi
It seems as though the CBFC overestimates the role of Hindi films in influencing public opinion and electoral outcomes. This may have been true to some extent earlier, but it is no longer true at a time when there are numerous forms of communication available. The CBFC also seems to believe that people are so naïve that they will suddenly forget the context of the film once its title is changed. How will removing ‘Punjab’ from Udta Punjab control the damage done or change the message of the film? The drug menace in Punjab is a matter of national concern and any film that showcases the extent of the problem and offers a solution should be endorsed.
Y.G. Chouksey,Pune
The controversy is nothing new. It once again brings to light the role of the CBFC. Is it the designated moral police of Indian society and the custodian of heritage and culture? It is high time the government clarified the board’s role. Let the viewers endorse or reject a film. The CBFC should restrict itself to certification. This sadism of making cuts is the surest way of destroying creativity. Also, all this talk about the film has only given it undue publicity free of cost.
Mohan M. Prasad,Hyderabad
What is the point of removing ‘Punjab’ from the script? It will defeat the very purpose of the film. Moreover, why does the CBFC always think that films that portray social problems are negative? Why can’t they be seen as spreading awareness?
Aman Tayal,Ghaziabad
