The Indian Censor Board loves scissors more than barbers.
Even in this age, where Indians are appreciating good movies and are intelligent enough to choose what they want, the Censor Board wants to act like a paranoid parent.
‘Moonlight’ is a critically acclaimed movie that is making waves all around the world for being hard-hitting. But critics be damned, our ‘culture’ is what matters when it comes to Pahlaj Nihalani.
Two scenes from ‘Moonlight’ and words like ‘bitches’, ‘motherfucker’ and ‘ dick’ have been cut out. When asked why Pahlaj Nihalani had a very succinct answer ready –
“I don’t care what other people think. It is our job to decide what is appropriate — or not — for our culture.”
The movie highlights the struggle a black boy faces while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami. It also explores the issues of homosexuality and drug abuse and how it affects lives of people.
In short, it gives an insight into the dark world of drug addiction, and in no way glorifies drugs. So, understandably this did the same thing to Nihalani what ‘Udta Punjab’ had done a year ago.
Many Bollywood directors criticized CBFC’s methods. Madhur Bhandarkar called this a redundant move.
“What’s the point of giving it an ‘A’ certificate if you are still going to chop the movie?”
All said and done, cutting an Academy Award nominated movie makes no sense. Omitting scenes and words will dilute the experience.
And as far as ‘protecting our culture’ is concerned, making item girls wear skimpy clothes and gyrate in front of a crowd of men is obviously pro-culture, right?
It’s time the censor board understood that India has mature people who can choose what they want and not treat them like an adolescent child who needs parental control.
News Source – Hindustan Times