Members of the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) launched a scathing attack on the censor board officials in a recently concluded workshop. The members accused CEO Pankaja Thakur and the board officials of working at the behest of film directors and promoting vulgarity in the films. The workshop was organised following directions from the information and broadcasting ministry. It was attended by half the total strength of the board, while the rest boycotted as they were not given a chance to speak.
“A member of the censor board opposed the U rating given to the film Bhag Milkha Bhag which had adult scenes. He further sought a clarification from the CEO,” said a source from the censor board, adding, “A few other members, who slammed the censor board officials, said that though Bhag Milkha Bhag got a tax exemption in Maharashtra, discerning parents have prevented their children from watching the film as they feel it has adult content in it.”
The source further said, “The members also want to know why Ms Thakur chose to become a member of the examining committee. They want to know why only the directors are being given the benefit of the doubt.”
However, former censor board member Manoj Dubey said, “The present scenario is one of the worst that the censor board has witnessed. This is the reason why the Delhi high court has issued a notice to I&B ministry and the CBFC, seeking an explanation on the level of vulgarity in films.”
Ms Thakur, however, refused to comment.