Filmmaker Karan Johar has taken a surprising stance, defending the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) amidst ongoing controversies, despite his own film ‘Dhadak 2’ undergoing 16 cuts.
A Contrasting View on Censor Board Backlash
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has been facing significant criticism lately. Films like ‘Punjab 95’, ‘Santosh’, and ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala’ have reportedly faced stringent demands from the board, sparking widespread debate.
However, at the trailer launch of his upcoming film ‘Dhadak 2’, Karan Johar expressed a contrasting opinion. He openly commended the censor board, suggesting they are actively “trying to protect sensitivity.” This comes even after ‘Dhadak 2’ itself was reported to have undergone 16 cuts before receiving its certification.
Dhadak 2’s Journey Through Certification
Karan Johar highlighted Dharma Productions’ commitment to responsible storytelling. He emphasized their consistent choice of impactful themes, presented with sensitivity, acknowledging cinema’s powerful influence.
‘Dhadak 2’ is a remake of the critically acclaimed 2018 Tamil film ‘Pariyerum Perumal’, which explores caste-based injustice and marginalization. Johar described his film as mainstream yet courageous, daring to “ask difficult questions.”
Addressing the delay in ‘Dhadak 2’ reaching theatres, Johar shared his positive experience with the CBFC. He described their interaction as “understanding and compassionate,” noting they recognized the film’s core message. He maintained that both the filmmakers and the board were working to protect the film’s sensitivity, calling it a “collaborative process” with “no compromises.”
Filmmakers and Submission Timelines
Karan Johar also touched upon the practical challenges of film certification, particularly from the filmmakers’ side. He acknowledged that the CBFC requests early submissions, a process he believes is necessary and takes time.
He candidly pointed out that filmmakers often submit their movies at the last minute. This rushed approach, he stated, often leads to complaints when changes are requested at the eleventh hour. Johar implies that these ‘compromises’ are sometimes a result of filmmakers’ own delayed actions, rather than solely the board’s stringency.
The Board’s Role: Protecting Sensitivity
Johar’s core argument is that the censor board plays a crucial role in safeguarding public sensitivities. He believes their process, even if time-consuming, is essential for a medium as impressionable as cinema.
His defense offers a different perspective in the ongoing conversation about film censorship in India, suggesting a need for better understanding and cooperation between filmmakers and the certification body.
- Karan Johar publicly defended the CBFC, stating they aim to protect sensitivities.
- His film ‘Dhadak 2’ received a U/A certificate after 16 cuts, but Johar called the process collaborative.
- He criticized filmmakers for submitting projects last minute and then complaining about requested changes.
- ‘Dhadak 2’ is a remake of ‘Pariyerum Perumal’, dealing with caste-based injustice.
This discussion highlights the complex relationship between artistic expression, societal norms, and the regulatory bodies governing cinema.
