CBFC chief slams 'Padmavati' makers for screening film without certificate

November 18, 2017 18:24

Central Board of Film Certification chief Prasoon Joshi today slammed the makers of Padmavati for screening the movie for various TV channels without getting a censor certificate.

Joshi's statement comes after reports that the producers of Padmavati -- mired in controversy over allegations that it distorts history -- held a special screening for a few journalists.

A day after the CBFC sent Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film back because the application for the certification was "incomplete", Joshi said he was "disappointed" that it was being screened for the media and getting reviewed on national channels without CBFC having seen or certified it.

"This compromises the role of systems and balances that are part of a functioning industry. It's myopic to treat the certification process haphazardly to suit convenience," he said in the statement.

"On one hand, holding the CBFC responsible and pressurising to accelerate the process and on the other hand, attempt to subvert the very process, sets an opportunistic precedent," he added.

He reiterated that the application for certification for the film sent by the makers was incomplete and said the censor board had informed them about it.

In this specific case, Joshi added, the film's application came up this week only for review.

"The makers know and admit that the paper work is not complete -- the very disclaimer whether the film is work of fiction or a historical was left blank and not stated -- and on simply and legitimately being asked to provide important documents, target the CBFC for looking the other way and delay. This truly is surprising."

He deplored the use of "convenient, casual methods" and said there should be "a responsible, mutually respectful and balanced approach". -- PTI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

'I will do everything to play in T20 World Cup': DK

DK has taken his batting to a new level and displayed some astonishing power-hitting to strike at a rate of 205-plus.

Verstappen wins first sprint race of the F1 season

Max Verstappen won the first sprint race of the Formula One season at the Chinese Grand Prix on Saturday.

Should Dhoni bat higher up the order?

West Indies batting great Brian Lara believes CSK's Mahendra Singh Dhoni won't consider a promotion in the batting order.

Can Gukesh maintain lead in Candidates' Chess?

Gukesh to clash with Alireza on what promises to be a photo finish

Struggling Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans in battle of cellar teams

Their campaigns wobbling after a string of defeats, bottom-rung teams Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans will be desperate to arrest the slide and get back to winning ways in their Indian Premier League match in Mullanpur on Sunday.