Censorship in India has long been a contentious issue, particularly within the realm of cinema. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), established under the Cinematograph Act of 1952, serves as the primary regulatory authority overseeing film content in the country. While its mandate is to ensure that films align with societal values and legal mandates, the board’s decisions often spark debates about the balance between artistic freedom and societal norms. In recent years, multiple films have faced scrutiny, cuts, and delays, underscoring the ongoing struggle between creative expression and regulatory oversight.
Historical Context of Film Censorship in India
The roots of film censorship in India trace back to the early 20th century. Over the decades, the CBFC has exercised its authority to modify films that it deems contrary to the interests of sovereignty, public order, decency, or morality. This broad mandate has led to numerous instances where films faced cuts or delays due to their content. The censorship framework can also be influenced by political, religious, and social considerations, leading to criticisms about the subjectivity.
Recent High-Profile Censorship Cases
Several films in recent years have encountered significant hurdles with the CBFC, highlighting the ongoing tension between artistic integrity and regulatory control.
Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency
In the complex landscape of film censorship in India, Kangana Ranaut’s directorial venture, Emergency, stands as a prominent example of the challenges filmmakers face. The film, a biographical portrayal of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the tumultuous Emergency period of 1975-1977, encountered significant scrutiny before its release.
The CBFC granted Emergency a U/A certificate, contingent upon the implementation of 13 specific cuts and modifications. These alterations were primarily driven by concerns from various Sikh organizations, who argued that certain portrayals in the film misrepresented their community and could potentially incite discord.
Despite these interventions, Kangana Ranaut maintained that the imposed cuts did not compromise the film’s core message of patriotism. After implementing the CBFC’s recommendations, Emergency was cleared for release and hit theaters on January 17, 2025.
Dhadak 2
Dhadak 2, starring Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi is reportedly facing delays because of certification, raising concerns about its scheduled release. The film is a Hindi remake of Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal which is currently available on OTT platform and has a U certificate attached to it. At the time of its release aslo the film had got a U certicate with no cuts and just two words were muted. The film is about a young Dalit man who faces discrimination from people around him on basis of his cast.
Babygirl
Babygirl, despite receiving an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate, underwent significant cuts, with the CBFC removing over three minutes of content. The censored scenes included explicit language and intimate visuals, raising questions about the purpose of adult certifications if content is still subject to heavy editing.
The Brutalist
Even international films are not exempt from India’s strict censorship standards. The Brutalist, featuring Guy Pearce, experienced censorship for its Indian release, with approximately one minute of footage involving nudity and sexual content removed. Pearce expressed concerns that such edits might alter the film’s intended message, highlighting the impact of censorship on artistic integrity.
Marco
Marco, the Malayalam actioner which pushed the boundaries of action and gore also had to face censorship which led to over 7 minutes of the film being deleted from the film. The film starred Unni Mukandan and was directed by Haneef Adeni. Haneef has now been roped in by Karan Johar‘s production house for a non stop bloody actioner. The film was a major success earning over Rs 60 crore across the country.
Challenges Faced by Filmmakers
Inconsistency in Certification
One of the primary criticisms against the CBFC is the inconsistency in certification standards. Films with similar content often receive different treatments. While Babygirl faced significant cuts despite an ‘A’ certificate, other films with comparable themes have been passed with minimal edits. This inconsistency creates uncertainty for filmmakers and affects their creative decision-making.
Impact on Artistic Expression
Censorship can lead to the dilution of a film’s core message. As Guy Pearce noted regarding The Brutalist, removing certain scenes can affect the narrative’s depth and the audience’s understanding of the story. Similarly, Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency had to undergo modifications that may have altered its historical portrayal.
Delays and Financial Implications
Censorship disputes often lead to delays in film releases, affecting marketing strategies and box office returns. The uncertainty surrounding certification can also deter investment in bold or unconventional storytelling, as filmmakers and producers fear potential financial losses due to last-minute cuts or bans.
The Role of Digital Platforms
With the rise of digital streaming platforms, there was hope for a more liberal approach to content dissemination. However, even these platforms have faced pressures leading to self-censorship or adherence to CBFC guidelines. For instance, Netflix, which previously streamed uncut versions of films, has started conforming to censored versions for its Indian audience, reflecting the pervasive influence of censorship norms.
Legal Influences on Censorship
Film censorship in India is often influenced by legal and political considerations. Governments and political parties have, at times, intervened to either support or oppose film releases based on their ideological leanings. Religious and community groups also play a significant role, frequently raising objections that lead to cuts or bans.
For instance, political sensitivity played a role in the scrutiny faced by Emergency, given its portrayal of a controversial period in Indian history. Similarly, concerns from Sikh organizations influenced the modifications imposed on the film.
Balancing Societal Norms and Creative Freedom
The crux of the censorship debate in India lies in balancing societal norms with artistic freedom. While it’s essential to respect cultural sensitivities, it’s equally important to allow filmmakers the liberty to explore diverse themes and narratives. A more nuanced approach, perhaps through a robust rating system that informs viewers rather than restricts content, could serve as a middle ground.
The current censorship framework often treats adult audiences as incapable of making informed choices about the content they consume. Instead of imposing blanket restrictions, a more transparent and structured rating system—along with viewer discretion advisories—could be a more effective way to address concerns while preserving creative expression.
