Is there such a thing as a ‘director’s uncut version’ when it comes to Tamil cinema? Recent developments point to a trend where the cutting and pruning of a film seem to continue till the last moment before the film’s theatrical release, and, in some instances, even after the release. Lingaa , I and Yennai Arindhaal were cut after their theatrical release, to ensure a shorter duration after the reviews and word of mouth suggested that the films were a tad too long.
This would mean that those who did not see the film on Day 1 of its release may have to settle for its abridged version. Re-editing can go either way: the film could be shorter and smarter or you could end up missing crucial parts of the film.
These decisions are taken, says producer C.V. Kumar, in consultation with distributions and theatre owners. “We get the feedback from the theatres themselves. They give us a report during the interval of the first shows and we decide based on that,” says C.V. Kumar. The fringe groups that take an offence against a film have also resulted in a number of instances where films have had to be re-edited.
While Vishwaroopam was re-edited based on the filmaker’s negotiations with groups opposed to the film, facilitated by the State government, in Anegan’s case , filmmaker K.V. Anand pre-emptively removed a dialogue which they feared would offend the dhobi community. S.Ve.Shekar, who was recently appointed as Chairman, Regional Censor Board said, “Though the dialogue is a popular saying, it can be construed as derogatory to the dhobi community. Some of the members were annoyed. When I communicated the same to K.V. Anand, he obliged immediately”.
This puts the spotlight on censor board officials too. When asked why such depictions which could be deemed problematic to marginalised sections of the society are slipping through the filters, he said different yardsticks are used to certify different films. “Many of the films that are given a ‘U’ certificate today aren’t fit enough to be viewed by children. A big star is able to get away with few things while a film by a relatively new actor is under strict scrutiny,” Mr. Shekar added.
Mr. Shekar also promised significant changes in the workings of the board soon. “I will raise all the issues when the board meets in Mumbai soon. All shortcomings – including the anecdotal evidences of influencing the board – will be rectified,” he added.
