No kissing, no cuss words: CBFC orders 48 cuts for Babumoshai Bandookbaaz

Film producer Kiran Shroff has filed a complaint against some members of the Central Board of Film Certification for alleged misbehaviour.

Makers of the film — Babumoshai Bandookbaaz — starring Nazawuddin Siddiqui have alleged that some members of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) misbehaved with the film’s producer Kiran Shroff during a screening.

Actors Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Bidita Bag during the trailer launch of their film Babumoshai Bandookbaaz in Mumbai. (PTI)

A complaint has been lodged with the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTADA) in Mumbai in this connection.

CBFC member and film-maker Ashok Pandit said, “IFTDA has taken note of the complaint and on Wednesday we will hold a meeting.”

CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani, however, denied any knowledge about the members misbehaving with the film’s producer.

Nihalani, who ends his term in January 2017, told HT that the cuts have been ordered in keeping with the board’s mandate.

“That’s our job as per rule,” he told HT in response to a question on the cuts.

A committee set up to overhaul the certification process, headed by noted film-maker Shyam Benegal has suggested the need to do away with cuts and instead rate films on the basis of their content.

The committee report, which is yet to be accepted by the government, has also suggested categories for adult films based on the explicitness of content.

Nandy, who has approached the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) against Nihalani’s orders said he has asked for an adult certification, but was told that he would have to drop certain scenes and dialogues because the board cannot ensure that children under 18 would not see the film.

“It is the responsibility of the state and the law enforcers to see that kids don’t watch adult films. Yet, we have been asked to remove certain (cuss) words from the dialogues of a contract killer. My film is based in UP and it will sound weird if I muffle words,” Nandy told HT.

Pandit, who has had run-ins with Nihalani on previous occasions, also said the process of certification is being distorted and creative freedom being impinged.