CBFC was 'really nice to us...': 'Agra' director Kanu Behl
What's the story
Kanu Behl, the director of the recently released film Agra, has spoken about the Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC) cuts in his movie. The board had asked for cuts in scenes featuring frontal nudity and abusive language. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, he said that despite these changes, he did not receive any pushback from the censors.
Director's perspective
'They loved the film'
Behl said, "I can comment in the context of my film. Thankfully, I got no pushback from the Censors. In fact, they were really nice to us." "They loved the film. Whatever changes have been made were done by me personally. All they asked me to do was to cut out three shots." The director added that he was able to convince them about two of these shots, after which only one was deleted.
Director's explanation
Behl explained his decision to accept CBFC's suggestions
Behl further explained his decision to accept the CBFC's suggestions. He said, "They said, 'We love the film. We don't want to cut anything out of it. We think it's a really important film. We are giving you an adults-only certificate." "Today, even with an adult rating, you cannot have nudity and profanity." "The abuses were also removed which I did not object as I did not want to fight that battle because it's a much bigger structural question."
Director's resolve
Behl's commitment to independent cinema
When asked about his next project, Behl said it was too early to talk about it. He said he wanted to ensure that Agra gets the space it deserves in theaters. "I want to keep fighting (for more shows for Agra). I first want to ensure that this film gets the space that it needs and deserves." "This system is designed for a monopoly of sad, infantilized films pandering to people's entertainment."