Nihalani, famous for chopping scenes, approaches HC against Censor Board
What's the story
There was a time when former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani was known to be at loggerheads with filmmakers for chopping scenes. But the tables have turned now as it is Nihalani who approached Bombay High Court today against CBFC for his upcoming production 'Rangeela Raja'. CBFC has reportedly suggested 20 cuts in the movie, leaving him miffed.
His Statement
This is a personal vendetta, claims Nihalani
Expressing his anger, Nihalani stated that these cuts suggested by CBFC are because of personal vendetta. He mentioned that people are venting out their frustrations against him. "When I was the chairperson I left a lot of people upset with me. Now they are taking out their frustrations on me. But I won't go down without a fight," he stated.
Why?
CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi is biased, says Nihalani
Nihalani also accused CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi of being biased as he gave an all-clear certificate to 'Thugs Of Hindostan'. "Everybody knows about Prasoon's enduring friendship with Aamir Khan. No one is surprised that Thugs of Hindostan was given an all-clear censor certification out of turn, while my film Rangeela Raja has been slapped with multiple cuts which I am not taking," he added.
What did he say?
'Rangeela Raja' has no vulgarity or double meaning dialogues
Defending 'Rangeela Raja' starring Govinda, Nihalani asserted that the movie has no vulgarity, or double meaning dialogues. Still, he has been asked to delete a massive number of dialogues and scenes by CBFC. He even took a jibe at 'Manmarziyaan' and said, "Why? Movies like Anurag Kashyap's Manmarziyaan are filled with kissing and lovemaking scenes and yet passed with a UA".
Details
Nihalani is controversy's favorite child
Interestingly, Nihalani, during his stint as CBFC chief, often grabbed the headlines for his statements. From suggesting multiple cute to raising objection for the word 'intercourse', he was criticized several times. However, his biggest controversy came with 'Udta Punjab' for which he suggested 89 cuts. Attacking back, Kashyap had called him a dictator.