CBFC Clarifies No Certification for 'Sarke Chunar' Song Amid Controversy and Ban
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has issued a clear statement regarding the controversial song 'Sarke Chunar' from the upcoming Kannada film 'KD: The Devil'. The board clarified that it has not received any application seeking certification for the track, which features actors Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt and has faced massive backlash from various quarters.
CBFC Chairperson Prasoon Joshi's Statement
CBFC chairperson and veteran lyricist Prasoon Joshi emphasized that content released on digital platforms does not fall under the board's certification purview. In a statement reported by ANI, Joshi said, "This is to clearly state that CBFC has not received any application seeking certification for the song 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke' from KD: The Devil Film. It is to be noted clearly that content on digital platforms is not certified by CBFC."
He further explained that there is often confusion about this matter, leading to the CBFC being unnecessarily dragged into issues that are not connected to its mandate. The statement added, "CBFC is a responsible and responsive body with committed members who take portrayal of women in cinema sensitively and have, with sincere effort, shifted the needle from controversy to constructive dialogue. In the case of this particular song all queries should be directed to the platform and the makers of the song."
Union Minister Announces Ban in Lok Sabha
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha about the decision to ban the song while responding to a question raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria. Vaishnaw stated, "The song has already been banned. I would like to say this clearly that we should follow the reasonable restrictions imposed by the creators of the Constitution of India on freedom of speech."
The minister referred to the provisions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution, which allow restrictions on freedom of speech in the interest of public order, decency, morality, and other concerns. This legal framework provides the basis for the government's action against the song.
Background of the Controversy
Earlier, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had issued notices to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the CBFC, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, raising concerns over the vulgar lyrics and visuals of the 'Sarke Chunar' song. The commission sought strict action on the matter within two weeks.
As per reports, the NHRC bench, presided over by member Priyank Kanoongo, observed that the allegations prima facie indicate a potential violation of human rights and took cognizance under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. This intervention added to the growing scrutiny and public outcry against the song.
About the Film 'KD: The Devil'
Directed by Prem, the film stars Dhruva Sarja in the lead role alongside Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty, Ramesh Aravind, Reeshma Nanaiah, V. Ravichandran, and others. The movie is a period action entertainer inspired by real events from 1970s Bangalore. It is scheduled to hit theaters on April 30, 2026.
The controversy surrounding 'Sarke Chunar' highlights the ongoing debates about content regulation, digital platforms, and the portrayal of women in Indian cinema. As the CBFC distances itself from the certification process for digital content, the focus now shifts to the platform and makers of the song, who must address the concerns raised by authorities and the public.
