CBFC, India’s film CERTIFICATION board is so many things at once: a self-acclaimed CENSOR board, a WATCH-DOG of the Indian culture and most importantly, Twitter’s favourite feed FODDER! While you might argue that I’m picking a bone with Pahlaj Nihalani (you’ll be too if you’ve watched and survived this), I am truly here to just state facts.
Remember the last time, when CBFC banned ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha‘ for being ‘lady oriented’? Well, the fraternity has struck again and is in news for an equally regressive, only more ridiculous reason!
According to a report in DNA, CBFC has asked the makers of ‘Phillauri’ to mute a scene that has Suraj Sharma reciting ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ after encountering the ghost, Shashi played by Anushka Sharma. Why you ask? Because,
“Ghosts are supposed to be eradicated not pacified with the recital of the Hanuman Chalisa.”
According to a source,
“This amounted to hurting of religious sentiments. All the audience will hear now is Suraj long droning chant which would be inaudible.”
Needless to say, Twitter is doing what it does best.
1. BURN
@sandymridul Looks like CBFC had some ghostly experience which got sorted out by readinh Hanuman Chalisa and the ghosts were from Lipstick..
— SWAT (@swatianandsingh) March 24, 2017
2. Mutual feelings!
https://twitter.com/sapanv/status/845151913251262464
3. I wish!
https://twitter.com/sanjayuvacha/status/845137784482414597
4. For you, me and all of us…
Here's CBFC for you. pic.twitter.com/lOX38FXZGu
— Anup (@ThePuccaCritic) March 24, 2017
5. *sneezes*
Permission to scratch my nose, will it offend anyone? https://t.co/Os0HsDvYZb
— Kalki केकला (@kalkikanmani) March 24, 2017
Is CBFC really not able to distinguish between reality and film/fiction? Or is it just living up to its reputation?