A ridiculous case of ‘extreme’ censorship has been seen recently. Film Development Board, we repeat, Film Development Board not the Censor Board, has disagreed to register a film titled ‘Gaja Baja’ because of the word ‘Gaja’ (marijuana) in its title until it is changed. Apparently, the board is afraid that the title might promote drugs among the audiences. Well, we don’t even know how to react on this matter. The board which should actually encourage film makers to make good films, support them and help them get over any challenges is doing exactly the opposite by creating an unnecessary obstacle instead.

What ever happened to ‘freedom of speech’!??

The film directed by ‘Malati Ko Bhatti’ and  ‘Manjari’ fame Ganesh Dev Panday stars Anupam Sharma, Barsha Siwakoti, Suhsil Sitaula, Rabin Thapa and Uddav Bhattarai in the lead roles. The shoot of the film has been completed and it’s currently under post production. The team has went against the board’s decision and has filed a case in the court. In a press meet held at Mandala Theatre on Sunday, Pandey said, “I am a filmmaker, not a marijuana dealer. I should be allowed to make a film without any barriers on my freedom of expression.”

Interestingly, the case reminds us of the recent controversy from the neighboring film industry, Bollywood. A film titled ‘Udta Punjab’ and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had got involved in a tug of war over the release of the film directed by Anurag Kashyap. CBFC wanted 13 cuts in the film, and even had a problem with the use of the word ‘Punjab’ in its title. The filmmakers did not agree to the board’s decision and so the case went to the Bombay High Court where the court absolutely destroyed CBFC. Here are some of the statements issued by the court that definitely needs to be read, understood and taken into consideration by our Film Development Board as well.

• Give the film ‘A’ certificate, what is the need for the cuts?
• Audiences are direct and open today. People born after 1980 are very mature. So why are you so worried?
• For action to be taken you need to provoke. Multiplex audiences are discerning. How can you decide which word’s right/wrong?
• Film industry is not made of glass that you need to “handle with care.” If you ask for so many cuts, what is the point? Audience knows.
• CBFC should only certify, not censor. The public is the biggest censor. CBFC doesn’t need to censor.
• We want creative people to survive and the industry to survive. You have to show the reality.

That’s what we are talking about. Every single point is absolutely on point. Let the audience decide what they want to watch. We are hopeful that the court in Nepal will have something similar to say to the Film Development Board.