In March, when a documentary maker appeared before the Central Board of Film Certification with his first feature film, based on the 2008 Ahmedabad blasts, the examining committee suggested seven cuts. Unlike the rule where filmmakers are given an opportunity to defend their films orally in front of the committee, Dakxin Chhara had to return empty-handed accepting the cuts to his film, Sameer (to release on September 15).
Disheartened, Chhara met then CBFC chairman Pahlaj Nihalani to present his case. He was amused at Nihalani’s response. Sample this: “Sir, what is wrong with mann ki baat that I have been asked to remove?,” asked Chhara. “Change it,” said Nihalani. “‘Mann ki Baat’ is PM’s radio show. You can’t use it. Change it to tann ki baat, dil ki baat, but mute mann.” Chhara then took his film to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal.
There have been similar instances ever since Nihalani came on board in January 2015. So, when the news of his dismissal came about on August 11, the film industry rejoiced. Adman-lyricist Prasoon Joshi is replacing him. But, as Chhara says, “The solution is not in changing the chairperson. The ideology with which Nihalani was functioning has to go. We are a diverse country. The chairperson has to be a neutral person.”
While speculations are on, one of the reasons behind Nihalani’s ouster seem to be the letters by CBFC members and makers of Babumoshai Bandookbaaz, who allegedly were treated badly by the examining committee during the screening besides the 40 cuts suggested to them. (THE WEEK has copies of the letters.)
“There was a problem of perception,” says Vani Tripathi Tikoo, BJP member and a CBFC member since 2015. “The board was pulling itself in all directions and it was crying for reform. There is a very big rethink that has happened on the whole thing. And that is what is being reflected in the change that we have just seen.”
That Joshi is a respected artiste, perceived to having a better understanding of things, is giving everyone hope. As filmmaker Hansal Mehta notes, “It is well begun. But we should move towards a time where individuals don’t matter. The guidelines to Cinematograph Act, 1952, need urgent amendment. Until that happens, we will always be at the mercy of individuals and their interpretation of the culture.” Mehta, too, had to suffer at the hands of CBFC during the release of Aligarh (2016).
Tikoo has also demanded an amendment to the Act. “It is non-negotiable. You can’t look at the cinema of 2017 from the prism of consciousness of 1952. And, the ratings have to become diverse.” she says.
To remove a chairman five months before his tenure ends can sound ridiculous to many, but insiders say the rethink had begun soon after the Shyam Benegal committee was formed in January 2016. The committee worked on reforming guidelines, and the recent move may just be a step towards executing the report.
While Nihalani has been accused of being inclined towards the ruling party, Joshi’s appointment, too, is being seen as a result of his proximity to the BJP—he was part of the 2014 Lok Sabha campaign along with veteran admen Piyush Pandey and Sam Balsara. People have their doubts, but hope is predominant.
As far as his role is concerned, Joshi says he needs a week to ten days to understand things and talk about it. But, he stands by his statement: “I have believed that right to have an opinion is better served with constructive contribution. One hopes to make a positive difference with the guidance and support of respected minds.”
