CBFC can now shame women for their dressing style too!
What's the story
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has been embroiled in controversies over censor-cuts and certifications in recent times, especially after Pahlaj Nihalani was appointed its Director in 2015.
But now, upcoming Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer Babumoshai Bandookbaaz's team is alleging gender misconduct by CBFC.
CBFC "humiliated" producer Kiran Shroff not only for Babumoshai's subject but also the clothes she wore at the censor-screening.
Know more!
Censor Cuts
Nihalani "threatened" Director Kushan with more cuts
Nihalani ordered 48 cuts in Babumoshai featuring Nawazuddin and Bidita Bag in lead roles.
When Babumoshai director Kushan Nandy tried to reason with Nihalani about the cuts, he spoke arrogantly.
He allegedly threatened Kushan if he approaches Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT), his film will not be released at all.
Kushan added one of the CBFC members commented on Kiran's clothes after the screening.
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Nihalani made a whole song "in celebration of an erection"
Kushan said: "One of the dialogues that Examining Committee ordered out drew an inference to an erection. I pointed out to Nihalani that he had shot a whole song called 'Khada Hai' (from 1994 film Andaz) 20 years ago. He wouldn't hear any of it."
Nihalani's Story
Kushan Nandy is lying, says CBFC Director Nihalani
Pahlaj Nihalani told an entirely different story about the Babumoshai episode; he said "no untoward incident" took place with Shroff.
He said Kushan didn't mention any misbehavior by CBFC members when they met after the Examining Committee rejected Babumoshai Bandookbaaz.
He claimed Kushan, who is being provoked to badmouth him, tried to "intimidate" him to get the cuts restored by using political connections.
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Pahlaj Nihalani on filmmakers working against CBFC's interests
Nihalani said: "Since I was brought in as the chairperson, these handful of team members have been working against the CBFC's interests. They want to project themselves as the liberal forces, never mind if they end up flouting CBFC guidelines and rules."
Press Conference
There is no creative freedom: Nawazuddin Siddiqui
The Babumoshai Bandookbaaz team along with other filmmakers held a press conference to talk about CBFC and Pahlaj Nihalani.
On the cuts being demanded, Nawazuddin stated his character in the film isn't polished; so, local flavor and abusive language are essential.
Lipstick Under My Burkha director Alankrita Shrivastava and Udta Punjab filmmaker Abhishek Chaubey were also present at the event.
Twitter Post
Indian Film & TV Directors' Association at the press conference
If someone wants to make a film of his liking then why not. Time has changed and we need to do something about the issues. #IFTDAprotests
— Iftda India (@DirectorsIFTDA) August 2, 2017
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The problem never ends: Alankrita Shrivastava
Shrivastava stated: "We are from a free and democratic country. We need to get rid of censorship. We will not be able to tell stories. I completely stand with this (Babumoshai Bandookbaaz) team. We have had a fight for Udta Punjab, Lipstick and now this."