In a country where explicit content and real life violence is just a click away, the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) hold on cinematic narratives feels archaic.
The irony is stark: while unfiltered information is flooding our smartphones, films – arguably a more nuanced and artistic medium – are still at the mercy of a few individuals.
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This disconnect between regulatory practice and digital reality is at the heart of the ongoing debate on censorship in India.
Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) never minces words. He’s been vocal about this for a while now.
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In a recent interview on “Raw Talks with VK” he called the Censor Board “outdated and the stupidest thing ever” and questioned how five people can decide what crores of people watch when we can access far more explicit content online.
In this unfiltered conversation he spoke about how creative freedom is shrinking in the film industry and how the board’s interventions go beyond certification and stifle artistic freedom and underestimate the audience’s intelligence.
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Frankly, RGV’s point is correct. The very existence of a censor board in today’s hyper connected world is paternalistic and distrustful of the audience.
Why should a few people guided by their own biases and sensibilities decide what’s good for the entire nation? If anything the CBFC’s outdated approach is an insult to the intelligence of Indian audience and stifles the creative spirit of filmmakers.
It’s time we move from censorship to certification and trust adults to make their own choices. The sooner we dismantle this archaic gatekeeping the sooner Indian cinema can finally breathe free.
