From last two or three days, Kamal
Hasan’s 'Vishwaroopam' is the major debate on Indian news channels. But this
debate suddenly changed when minister of Information and Broadcasting, Manish
Tiwari, gave a suggestion about the amendments in Cinematograph Act, 1952 (It
is all about the power and functions of Censor Board). Is Censor Board doing
its duty properly? Should Government give more powers to CBFC? Should state
governments stay away from the issues related to film and cinema? These are some
of the intriguing questions of today’s prime time debate. More than 24 Muslim
organizations are against the release of the movie. The reason is quite old, 'it
can hurt the sentiments of Muslim community.' But according to the censor
board, there is nothing in this film that can hurt the feelings of the said community.
If censor board has certified this film
with U/A certificate without any cut, then how a specific organization or state
government can take the decision of ban on the film. CBFC is the statutory body
of the country. People from different fields and different areas, are the
members of advisory panel of the body. If government will decide which film should
release in their state and which shall not, then there is no need for I&B ministry
to spend a fortune on its development.
Kamal Hasan is not the only victim of such
a ban. Shekhar Kapoor’s 'Bandit Queen' and Deepa Mehta’s 'water' have also gone
through the similar phase. If cinema is a part of media, then why this particular
journalist- the writer or the director, cannot put forth his or her point on a specific
issue? Why a film which is based on Sikh religion cannot release without the
permission of Shree Akaltakht Saahib? Recently released Son of Sardaar is the
biggest example of it. “There can be different points of view of different
people. There can be difference between the thinking of a film maker and an
organization, so everyone can keep their points in different ways,” said Leela
Samson,chairman of Censor Board.
According to the former chairman of
CBFC, Anupam Kher, “a writer or director can narrate the story to his actors not
to the 20-25 organizations.” It is necessary to give more powers to the central
authority of films. So, our governing bodies should rethink about the
amendments in the cinematograph act. Because artists of the film work hard on
their projects to spread their message through this medium, but some
organizations or politicians play the role of villains to destroy their hard
work. Our cinematograph bill should be as strong as what CBFC wants.
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