The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has been under intense public and media scrutiny recently, following criticized cuts in films like 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai', 'Bandar', and a significant uproar over 'Obsession'. However, in a surprising turn of events this week, the Censor Board has cleared three anticipated films with absolutely no cuts, signaling a potential shift in its approach to film certification.
A Week of Zero Cuts: Major Films Get Green Light This week brings good news for filmmakers and audiences alike, as three major productions have successfully navigated the certification process without facing any modifications. This decision is a stark contrast to the stringent measures seen in recent weeks.
• Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata:
The Kangana Ranaut-starrer, a thriller based on the 26/11 terror attacks, received a U/A 16+ rating on May 29. Despite its violent themes, the CBFC's Examining Committee found no reason to impose any cuts. The film runs for 127.13 minutes (2 hours, 7 minutes, 13 seconds).
• Haunted – Echoes Of The Past:
Vikram Bhatt’s latest horror offering, a 3D cinematic experience, was certified 'A' on June 9. Typically, 'A' rated horror films are prone to cuts for intimate or horrifying scenes. However, 'Haunted – Echoes Of The Past' stands out, having passed with no visual or audio alterations. Its runtime is 138.54 minutes (2 hours, 18 minutes, 54 seconds).
• Backrooms:
This sci-fi psychological horror Hollywood flick also received an 'A' rating with zero cuts on June 8. The film, which has garnered curiosity as a sleeper blockbuster, has a runtime of 110.54 minutes (1 hour, 50 minutes, 54 seconds).
The Caveat and Future Outlook for Film Certification While the zero-cut certification for 'Backrooms' is welcome, some caution is advised. There's speculation that the studio may have voluntarily blurred or removed potentially disturbing shots before submitting the film to the CBFC, ensuring a smoother certification process. This week's decisions, particularly the swift clearance of a violent thriller and two horror films without cuts, mark a significant moment for the Indian film industry, potentially indicating a more lenient stance from the CBFC after recent controversies.
