CBFC has no right to make any cuts on the films : Shyam Benegal

“Censorship itself is a wrong term , CBFC is not meant for censoring but to certify and categorize the suitability of films to various audience based on their age and maturity, It is the creator, no one else, can tamper the film”, said Veteran Film maker and Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Shyam Benegal . 

Qn. Can you talk about the recommendations made by the committee under your chairmanship on the censorship?

Ans:  The two main recommendations given in the report are:

1. On a film made, committee has no right to cut, but the film maker-the creator only  has the right to do so 

2. At the present the number of categories for certification we have are Universal (U), Universal/Adult (U/A) and Adult (A).  Also there a special category (S) for some specialized ones for example medicine. According to our recommendations there will be a Universal category (U), Universal/Adult will be split into UA12+ and UA15+, Adult category split to Adult and Adult with caution categories. 

Qn. Why there are categories UA12+ and UA15+?

Teens from 12 to 15 are in a stage of rapid transformation both mental and physical .When they become 18 we say they are adults. But the first half of growth from 12-15 is different from 15 to 18 . So there is a great need to identify these categories when we are certifying.

Qn. Can you tell about the new Adult category ‘Adult with Caution’?

Ans.  This category is for films which have explicit sexual contents and extreme violence which are not at all suitable for screening in a public domain. This categorization makes sure that the person who wants to see those films has made a deliberate choice to see it. So the screening of such films in the day time and in regular multiplex needs to avoided. This is the recommendation sent for scrutiny of government. 

Qn. What is you take on the recent Supreme court verdict which made National Anthem compulsory before film screening?

Ans. I am coming from Mumbai. There national anthem will be played before every show, not from now, but for last three decades. I don’t feel any problem in standing up for the national anthem. I don’t understand what the dissent is; some people are sharing, is all about.