PATHAAN’ CERTIFICATION: CBFC HAS ITS SAY | 29 December, 2022

By
KOMAL NAHTA

So has the colour of Deepika Padukone’s swimming costume in the Besharam rang song of Pathaan been changed by the Central Board of Film Certification? Well, one will have to wait for the film to release or, at least, be certified by the CBFC to know the answer. But here are some points made by CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi regarding the process of certification in general and the Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika starrer in particular. It may be mentioned here that the film recently reached the CBFC examining committee for certification. In other words, the process of certification is in progress.
Prasoon Joshi says:
“CBFC’s balanced approach in the certification of Pathaan would be clear to all once the film releases.
The CBFC always has a tough task to strike the right balance between audience sensibilities and creative expressions, and we have stayed true to this spirit in the certification of Pathaan too.
“Certification as per the right category is important, and the committee made sure that due care is taken in terms of the film’s age appropriateness for the relevant category.
The makers have been advised modifications in the film with a balanced and holistic view as per the CBFC guidelines.
“As far as costume colours are concerned, the examining committee has stayed unbiased. When the film comes out, the reflection of this balanced approach will be clear to everyone. We need to understand that the CBFC works under guidelines as per the Cinematograph Act. And it endeavours to do its best in certifying films for the appropriate category. Also, there is always a provision for the makers to voluntarily make changes to their film and further submit an agreed-upon version. Whilst the process has been duly followed and is getting implemented, I must reiterate that our culture and faith are glorious, intricate and nuanced. And we have to be careful that they do not get defined by trivia or don’t get dragged into unwarranted controversy.
“And, like I have said earlier too, the trust between creators and the audience is the most important to protect, and the creators should keep working towards it so that there is little room for mistrust or misunderstanding.”
So now, what certificate will Pathaan get? ‘U’, ‘A’ or ‘UA’? And which scenes will be altered? Which will be deleted? Or will any scene be altered or deleted at all? Keep guessing!