The CBFC has said that since children will watch ‘A’ rated films, 48 cuts need to be made in Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Babumoshai Bandookbaaz.
The Hindu reports that there is yet another tempest brewing in the Censor Board’s teapot. The Board has asked for a further 48 cuts in film, which is to be rated ‘A’. According to producer Kiran Shroff, the Board said that even children would watch the film, and hence insisted on further cuts.
“They (CBFC members) had a one hour of discussion. We were very restless. We did expect a barrage of objections which would be raised. We were fine with A certification, but asked about 48 cuts. We asked, ‘Why so many cuts when we are getting A anyway?” asked Kiran. “They said because kids also watch an ‘A’ film. The reasoning made no sense. It’s a silly argument.”
According to the report, the CBFC members even went as far as to question Kiran’s morals. “They said you can explain why such objectionable words and scenes are there in the film. A lady questioned me, ‘How could you make a film like this despite being a woman yourself?’ A gentleman said, ‘How can she be a woman as she is wearing a pant and shirt?’ I was stunned.”
Kiran and her team are hoping the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal will reverse the decision. “We are hopeful and positive they will see the film the way we have made it,” she said.
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A press conference was organised by the Indian Film and Television Director’s Association (IFTDA) to express solidarity with Kiran Shroff and Babumoshai Bandookbaaz.
Speaking at the event, IFTDA president Ashok Pandit said, “IFTDA condemns all the cuts given to the film. We condemn the act where two members of the committee misbehaved with a lady. We request the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to sack them with immediate effect. Also, [the] Shyam Benegal Committee report should be implemented soon so that we stop this and all of us have clarity.”