The producer of Bhojpuri film Rang De Basanti is at his wits’ end, wondering how he would be able to release his film which has been announced for 22nd March. His film has been viewed by the CBFC but the certificate, without which no film can hit the screens, is simply not being given by the Board.
The bone of contention seems to be the title. Although there’s nothing official about it, it seems that CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi wants the producers to change the title. Why, one is apt to ask. The only reason one can think of is that Prasoon Joshi was associated — as dialogue and lyrics writer — with the 2006 Hindi blockbuster of the same name. But can that be a reason for not issuing certificate to a film which has otherwise been cleared by the examining committee for a ‘UA’ certificate.
The producers, SRK Music, submitted the film for certification on 3rd February. The film was seen on 19th February, and the screening report was submitted two days later. Multiple calls and requests later, the regional officer cleared the film on 26th but even 13 days after that, the certificate continues to elude the producers who are now nervous about meeting the publicised release date of their big-budget film starring Khesarilal Yadav. The only reply their repeated queries with the Central Board of Film Certification gets is that the film’s file awaits the CBFC chairman’s clearance. Beyond that, the staff at the CBFC office plead helplessness.
Following the CBFC screening, the producers were told that the film would be granted a ‘UA’ certificate after a few cuts were effected, but no official letter was given. Interestingly, the producers received a telephone call from the CBFC office (phone no. 20833150), requesting a change in the film’s title. According to the producer, a change of title is impossible at this stage as the duly approved title (by the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association) has been publicised, and publicity materials have been printed with the title.
Frankly, who gives the CBFC the right to play around with a producer’s film for such a frivolous reason? It is a wonder that the Board did not ask SRK Music to change the company’s name as it could hurt Shah Rukh Khan’s sentiments, as the Hindi film superstar is often referred to as SRK. Yes, after hearing the horrifying tale of the elusive censor certificate for Rang De Basanti, anything is possible when the CBFC is at work.
P.S.: Interestingly, just six days back, the CBFC has issued a ‘UA’ certificate to another Bhojpuri film titled Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam. It would be nice to know if the producers of that film were asked by the CBFC to change the title as there is a landmark Hindi film of the same name.