CBFC chief slams 'Padmavati' makers for screening film without certificate

November 18, 2017 18:24

Central Board of Film Certification chief Prasoon Joshi today slammed the makers of Padmavati for screening the movie for various TV channels without getting a censor certificate.

Joshi's statement comes after reports that the producers of Padmavati -- mired in controversy over allegations that it distorts history -- held a special screening for a few journalists.

A day after the CBFC sent Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film back because the application for the certification was "incomplete", Joshi said he was "disappointed" that it was being screened for the media and getting reviewed on national channels without CBFC having seen or certified it.

"This compromises the role of systems and balances that are part of a functioning industry. It's myopic to treat the certification process haphazardly to suit convenience," he said in the statement.

"On one hand, holding the CBFC responsible and pressurising to accelerate the process and on the other hand, attempt to subvert the very process, sets an opportunistic precedent," he added.

He reiterated that the application for certification for the film sent by the makers was incomplete and said the censor board had informed them about it.

In this specific case, Joshi added, the film's application came up this week only for review.

"The makers know and admit that the paper work is not complete -- the very disclaimer whether the film is work of fiction or a historical was left blank and not stated -- and on simply and legitimately being asked to provide important documents, target the CBFC for looking the other way and delay. This truly is surprising."

He deplored the use of "convenient, casual methods" and said there should be "a responsible, mutually respectful and balanced approach". -- PTI

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