'Not unreasonable': 'Vedaa' producer on 10-minute cuts by CBFC
It was recently reported that the upcoming action film Vedaa, featuring John Abraham and Sharvari, has been granted a 'U/A' certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after a delay of over a month. The movie, which centers on caste-based discrimination, was initially screened for the CBFC on June 25 and received approval on July 29. Contrary to initial reports, the certification was granted after certain suggested cuts were made. Now, the makers have reacted.
The modifications and cuts suggested by the CBFC
The CBFC instructed the filmmakers to cut approximately 10 minutes of footage, with director Nikkhil Advani voluntarily suggesting some cuts, including toning down violence in a courtroom scene. This included a modified disclaimer and voiceover, lasting one minute and 16 seconds, clarifying that the film is a fictional narrative inspired by real events. A dialogue with derogatory references to women was edited, and a two-minute hanging scene was removed. The text 'Brahmin's son...Shudra's son' was also dropped from the film.
'Cuts not unreasonable,' says producer Monisha Advani
The producers are pleased with CBFC's decision. Producer Monisha Advani told Mid-Day, "Experts viewed the film and there was careful thought given to the film's material. The cuts that they've asked for are not unreasonable." She further appreciated the CBFC's approach to maintaining the film's intent. "It was heartening [to see] that their stance was to respect the movie's intent," she added.
How the cuts will help the film reach larger audience
"They haven't made any cuts that hamper the story," said Monisha. She also addressed the reduction of violence in Vedaa, which is scheduled for release on August 15. "They were magnanimous with 'U/A' so that they can allow a wider audience for the film. We don't have a problem with the action piece that has been reduced." The film also stars Ashish Vidyarthi and Abhishek Banerjee.
