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It is time to revamp the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The problem is not just with its current illustrious chief rather, the problem is with the entire body.

While the name of this statutory body suggests that its job is to certify films, its guidelines mandate it to act a censor. It does not take more than a glance to appreciate the total inanity of the guidelines, drawn up, clearly, by someone who lacks any understanding of cinema or the arts in general.

The current controversy over two films Lipstick Under My Burkha and Ka Bodyscapes, both of which have been denied certification stems from the illiberal and anti-constitutional right of the state to censor films. This should change. What we need is certification, to guide people to avoid wrong choices for juvenile audiences.

The guidelines call upon the CBFC to make sure that a film being cleared for exhibition offers clean and healthy entertainment; artistic freedom and creative expression are not unduly curbed; does not depict abuse of children; does not deprave the morality of the viewer; etc.

Clearly, the author of the guidelines either has no conception of the role of art in society or does not think of cinema as art. Films are just for entertainment, of the clean and healthy variety, a criterion that even a Tom and Jerry cartoon might well fail in these times of politically correct squeamishness over violence.

If the guidelines are to be observed strictly, no film can engage with the harsh reality of life in unequal, hierarchical, misogynist India.

Only vacuous, singsong melodrama would pass muster. The government should follow the recommendations of the Benegal committee, give up the mission of censorship and merely classify films as regards their suitability for particular age groups.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

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It's high time to jump from film censorship to classification - Times of India (blog)