Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has shared his perspective on the dramatic transformation of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), attributing its growing leniency to the evolving maturity of Indian moviegoers. Speaking during the promotions of his latest theatrical horror-thriller, 'Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past', the veteran director reflected on how globalization and social shifts since the early 2000s have drastically altered societal lifestyles and mindsets.
Comparison to 'Kasoor'
Drawing a comparison to his own 2001 romantic thriller 'Kasoor,' Bhatt emphasized that complex narratives involving moral gray areas would have faced massive censorship roadblocks in the 1970s or 1980s. He noted that the heroine's storyline, involving seduction by the villain and subsequent self-blame, would not have passed censorship in earlier decades.
Audience Dictates Creative Freedom
Highlighting that an accepting audience ultimately dictates the creative freedom a storyteller receives, Bhatt said, "The audiences had matured to a point where they wouldn't call her names for sleeping with a man who had been accused of killing his wife. So I think the audience actually decides what film you make." His insights arrive as 'Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past' starring Mimoh Chakraborty and Chetna Pande continues its box office run.
Changes Since the 2000s
In an interview with IANS during the promotion of 'Haunted 3D', director Vikram Bhatt said that the early 2000s were a time of major changes in India and across the world. With economic growth, globalization, and increasing foreign influence, people's thinking and lifestyles began to change. According to him, these changes were also reflected in the entertainment industry, which started evolving along with society.
He added, "The bodies like the CBFC and the government were becoming more and more mature and lenient. And they were, as far as the film was considered adult, more and more agreeable for you to make different films, try different films. I don't think a film like 'Kasoor' would have passed in the 80s, 70s, 80s. I think it would have definitely hit a roadblock."
About 'Haunted 3D'
'Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past' features Mimoh Chakraborty, Chetna Pande, Shruti Prakash, Gaurav Bajpai, Praneet Bhatt, and Hemant Pandey. The film entertains the audience with its 3D technology and is now running in cinemas.
