CBFC Chairman Addresses Film Certification Challenges
Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Prasoon Joshi recently spoke about two major controversies rocking the Indian film industry. He clarified important points regarding certification procedures while highlighting the difficulties of his role.
Toxic Teaser Was Not CBFC Certified
Prasoon Joshi made it clear that the teaser for Yash's upcoming film Toxic never received certification from his board. The teaser, which shows explicit content including a sexual act in a graveyard, has drawn complaints from various groups.
"I want to clarify that a lot of things you see on YouTube and other digital platforms are not certified," Joshi told India Today. "People assume everything they watch has CBFC approval, but that's not true."
He called this assumption unfair to the certification board. Digital content often bypasses the formal certification process that theatrical releases must undergo.
The Toxic teaser has faced significant backlash. The women's wing of Karnataka's Aam Aadmi Party objected to its adult content. Social activist Dinesh Kallahalli filed a formal complaint with the CBFC. The Karnataka State Commission for Women also demanded action against the teaser.
Joshi Declines Comment on Jana Nayagan Delay
When asked about the delay in Vijay's film Jana Nayagan, Prasoon Joshi refused to comment. He cited the sub judice nature of the matter as his reason for silence.
Jana Nayagan faced certification issues just two days before its scheduled January 9 release. The makers approached the Madras High Court, where a single judge bench directed the CBFC to grant a U/A certificate.
The CBFC appealed this decision to the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, putting the film's release on hold again. The producers then approached the Supreme Court, which refused to intervene and sent the matter back to the Madras High Court.
The Supreme Court stated clearly: "When matter is fixed before the division bench, you don't challenge that order. Go back to the division bench." The case will now be heard on January 20.
Film Certification: A Tough Balancing Act
Prasoon Joshi described film certification as a challenging responsibility. Board members must balance creative expression with societal expectations.
"It's a tough job for people there," Joshi explained. "They are trying to balance what the filmmaker is saying and what society expects. That balance is the role of this body."
His comments highlight the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and content regulation in Indian cinema. The CBFC faces constant pressure from filmmakers seeking creative liberty and various groups demanding stricter content controls.
These controversies demonstrate how digital platforms have complicated traditional certification processes. Content now reaches audiences through multiple channels, not all of which fall under the CBFC's direct purview.
