Bollywood hails Censor Board’s decision to scrap cuss words list

Bollywood filmmakers and the Central Board of Film Certification have constantly been at loggerheads with each other. But this time around Filmmakers are happy with the CBFC’s decision to withdraw the controversial list of cuss words implemented by its chief Pahlaj Nihalani. The list contained around twenty-eight profane words, and was voted out by majority of board members.

Sources revealed that, “There were 16 members in the meeting and they expressed resentment against it. It was decided that the cuss words will be allowed in films if used in appropriate context. The examining and revising committees will review the film taking into account where it has been set and if the words are important from the script’s point of view. For example, in case of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ (2012), it was necessary for the filmmaker to include some expletives to establish the (rural) characters and it was integral to the film. So, the board had to pass it with a fitting certificate. Now we will follow general rules and won’t refer to the list at all.”

Welcoming the decision Mukesh Bhatt president of Film and Television Producers Guild of India said, “It is definitely a good thing. When you have an adult film, filmmakers need to use certain words and scenes. We also have children. We don’t incorporate such content only for the sake of it. It is a welcome change and I consider it as a good sign.”

Mukesh’s words were echoed by producer Ramesh Taurani of Tips industries. ‘NH10’ director Navdeep Singh too said that he was glad that the list was withdrawn.

The Central Board of Film Certification members have also discussed re-censoring films for television screening.