Censor board behaving like the Taliban: Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj
Mar 21,2015
Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) His unabashed use of abuses and rustic lingo in his films has always added to the power of his cinema. National Award winning filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj has reacted strongly to diktats on film content, saying that the Central Board of Film Certification is behaving like the Taliban and that the body should be "chopped off".
In an interview with IANS, the multi-talented Bhardwaj - a writer, singer, composer, director and producer - spoke uninhibitedly about the curb on filmmakers' creativity.
The debate on censorship guidelines has been on for a long time, but it was a list of cuss words to be banned from films - as suggested by the CBFC under filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani's chairmanship - that added fuel to the fire.
Bhardwaj says that while Indian films are "moving towards international recognition", the government should exercise a limit on the CBFC's power to curb the "art form" that is cinema.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: Do you feel that Indian cinema is getting recognised globally?
A: Yes, we are really moving towards international recognition... We are in the best of times at the moment. The line between commercial and arthouse cinema has blurred. Today we have films like 'The Lunchbox' and 'Badlapur' doing such great business... we have audience for each and every kind of film.
Q: But hasn't Bollywood become stereotypical in its scripts?
A: The whole cinema should not be called stereotyped. Stories of films like 'Badlapur' and 'Haider' are totally different and unique from what we have seen till now. In fact, we are breaking the stereotype image of our cinema.
But, if we talk about commercial cinema, that will remain stereotyped.
Q: The Indian entertainment industry has been facing a backlash for its content -- whether it's the AIB Roast, Aamir Khan's 'PK' controversy or the CBFC's announcement regarding the words that should be omitted from films. Don't you feel Indian filmmakers are being dominated?
A: It's really sad what is happening right now. The Censor Board is behaving like a Taliban. They should be censored and chopped. They censor our films, they should be chopped first. They should know their limits...it's (film is) an art form.
They should be restricted by the government, and I hope that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry realises soon that film is a form of art. They are not only about 'gaana-bajaana' and 'nautanki'. That I&B ministry has to understand...their (the censor's) scissors should be snatched away and thrown into a valley.
Q. But don't abuses in films have a negative effect on the audience?
A. Why? When you use an abuse on the road, won't that have a negative effect on you? A film is the mirror of the reality and not vice versa. A film doesn't create reality, it just reflects reality.
Either the government makes a rule that people shouldn't abuse on road. Then we will feel that the government wants to change the character of the nation. If the government really wants to make a change, then they should consider abusing behind the camera as a crime too. The society should change, not films, because filmmakers only show what all is happening in the society.
If we make a film on Kabir (poet), will people start speaking couplets on the road? If not, then how will they start abusing after watching films?
We have a culture and society where people abuse on roads...we have a style...when two friends meet, even they abuse each other...So now, are we going to make an Afghanistan out of India, or what (with the Censor Board's diktats)?
(Sandeep Sharma can be contacted at sandeep.s@ians.in)
Top Stories
'Jan Nayagan' Movie Review: Vijay's Final Film Is Overshadowed by Politics, 3-Hour Runtime Tests Patience
Jul 23,2026
Vijay's much-awaited farewell film, Jan Nayagan, arrives with massive expectations, marking the superstar's final appearance on the big screen before his full-time political journey. While fans hoped for an unforgettable send-off, director H. Vinoth delivers a film where political messag
Jantar Mantar Protest: From R. Madhavan to Alia Bhatt, Celebrities Rally Behind Students; Here's What They Said
Jul 23,2026
The nationwide outrage over the alleged NEET paper leak has intensified, with thousands of students staging protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and demonstrations spreading across Mumbai and several other cities. Protesters are demanding a transparent investigation into the examination cont
Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' Creates Box Office Storm: Two Major Tamil Films Postponed as Fans Celebrate Thalapathy's Final Movie
Jul 16,2026
The excitement surrounding Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated film 'Jana Nayagan' has reached unprecedented levels ahead of its July 23, 2026 release. Widely believed to be Vijay's final film before entering full-time politics, the movie has prompted two Tamil filmmakers to postpone
Salman Khan’s New House Approved: Is He Finally Leaving Galaxy Apartments After 52 Years?
Jun 30,2026
Rumours about Salman Khan leaving his iconic Galaxy Apartments residence have been making headlines after reports claimed the Bollywood superstar was preparing to move into a new luxury home in Bandra. However, the reality is quite different. While the Khan family's sea-facing Bandra prop
Security Breach Involving Arbaaz Khan: Intruder Jumps Into Actor’s Car, Removed by Bouncer
Jun 17,2026
Actor Arbaaz Khan recently found himself at the center of a security scare during a public event in Kolkata. A video from the incident has gone viral on social media, showing an unidentified man allegedly forcing his way into the actor's car as he was leaving the venue.The unexpected inci
‘Happy Birthday to the Queen’: Priyanka Chopra Shares Special Birthday Wish for Mother Madhu Chopra
Jun 17,2026
Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas melted hearts on social media after sharing a special birthday message for her mother, Dr. Madhu Chopra. The actress took to Instagram Stories to celebrate her mother's birthday and expressed gratitude for her constant guidance and support.The heartfelt p
Kangana Ranaut Breaks Silence on ‘Don 3’ Controversy, Says ‘Ranveer Singh Is Being Targeted After Dhurandhar’
Jun 12,2026
Bollywood actress and politician Kangana Ranaut has once again sparked discussion with her comments on the controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh and his reported exit from Don 3. Speaking in a recent interview, Kangana suggested that Ranveer may have been unfairly targeted following the su
Anupam Kher Scolds David Dhawan Over Retirement Rumors: "Who Are You to Decide..."
Jun 04,2026
Veteran Bollywood filmmaker David Dhawan has returned to the director’s chair after a gap of six years. However, what has surprised fans even more is his announcement that his upcoming film Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani will reportedly be his final directorial venture before retirement.But
Entertainment News
Kangana Ranaut Breaks Silence
Jun 12,2026
Anupam Kher Scolds David Dhawa
Jun 04,2026
'Bad breath from her mouth...'
Jun 03,2026
Kangana Ranaut Recalls 26/11 M
Jun 03,2026
Bobby Deol Reveals Who Can Pla
Jun 02,2026