Bribery Charge Rocks Film World

Corruption is a favourite subject in the celluloid world – there are multiple films revolving around this theme. But its impact on the film industry itself is rarely discussed openly. However, Tamil actor Vishal recently went public with his allegation that he had paid a bribe of '6.5 lakh to obtain a certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The accusation has stirred up a hornet’s nest.

Vishal told Hyderabad Chronicle that though his film was at stake, he did not want to spare the wrongdoers. “I really wanted to bring this out before everyone. I wanted to get my certification and also wanted the world to know how tainted the CBFC Mumbai office is,” he says.

What about the possible consequences, we ask. “If you think about the consequences, then you can never see the change in society. I feel you should not wait for change to happen. You should be the change,” says the actor, adding that he doesn’t worry about consequences.

“I’m only speaking the truth and I’m not trying to frame anyone in this particular aspect. If there are consequences, yes, bring it on. I will face it,” he says. He adds that the potential threat is more for the CBFC. “First of all, let them clear themselves, because as of now the evidence is very clear that there is money involved; not just me, other producers also came out in the open and many people will do the same in the future,” he stresses.

Vishal wants his move to make every government official in the country aware that corruption carries a threat. “If you are corrupt or part of corruption, definitely you are going to be taken to task,” he says, adding, “So definitely it is not a potential threat to me but to corrupt officials.” What triggered him to expose CBFC? “Behind the scenes, I’ve fought the corruption that is depicted on the silver screen. And now that the corruption was in front of my eyes, I didn’t want to be a mute spectator or simply a victim. I was desperate to bring it out. And, of course, my film was on the line. So I made two decisions: pay six and flex. The first was to receive my certificate in one day. The second step was to pay a price in order for the entire world to see that CBFC, Mumbai, a government office, is tainted.” When asked if he intended to take any more action, he responds, “It is up to the government authorities to take action, which they are doing, and justice will be served. The inquiry committee will undoubtedly question the officials. They have CCTV footage to prove that a particular lady is involved.”

Government steps in

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, responding to the artiste’s tweet,  released a statement which read: “The issue of corruption in CBFC brought forth by actor @VishalKOfficial is extremely unfortunate. The Government has zero tolerance for corruption and strictest action will be taken against anyone found involved. A senior officer from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has been deputed to Mumbai to conduct an inquiry today itself.

We request everyone to cooperate with the Ministry, by providing information about any other instance of harassment by CBFC at jsfilms.inb@nic.in @producers_guild @motionpictures.”

Vishal has appreciated the MIB, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the ‘necessary steps.’ “I’m delighted that the Minister of Information and Broadcasting has moved the issue forward and initiated action. This is what I truly wanted because as ordinary people, we always look up to higher authority whether we observe corruption, are a part of corruption, or are a victim of corruption. As a result, the corrupt officials must be held accountable. So I’m overjoyed that immediate action has been taken,” he wrote.

Support for Vishal

Vishal has found supporters in the industry. “High power inquiry should be initiated,” said Ashoke Pandit, the president of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association.“The claims of corruption levelled by Vishal, the actor, against censor board members are of great worry to The Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association and The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association,” he adds while pointing out that Vishal had provided specific information about two people involved. “One thing is proven: corruption occurred, money was traded, and we therefore demand an investigation by the CBI. Officers in the CBFC who are responsible for this serious action should likewise face harsh consequences,” says Ashoke. “No officials from CBFC Mumbai should be present throughout the investigation, and the CO and RO should be held accountable for this act of corruption because it occurred right under their noses. As a result, they bear some of the blame,” he adds.

Former CBFC Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani has also come out in support of the Tamil actor. He alleged that the current Chairman, Prasoon Joshi, “does not come to work and is not involved in day-to-day operations.”

Support for  CBFC

Excel Entertainment, the production business of Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, has backed the CBFC. “During our extensive partnership, from our first film, Dil Chahta Hai, to our most recent, Fukrey 3, we have not encountered any obstacles or corrupt practises,”  the two posted.

CBFC Issues Official Statement

CBFC has shared an official statement amid Vishal’s ‘corruption’ allegations, which read, “It has been noticed that despite the online certification system i.e. E-Cinepramaan in place and regular updates on new system improvements for the film producers/applicants, they still choose to apply through intermediaries or agents. This goes against the objective of eliminating third-party involvement in the certification process…However, we have taken note of the allegations being reported very seriously and CBFC has zero tolerance for corruption. Also, the strictest action will be taken against anyone found involved and we shall get into the root cause. Meanwhile, any attempt to malign the image of CBFC will not be tolerated.”

I wanted to get my certification and also wanted the world to know how tainted the CBFC Mumbai office is. If you think about the consequences, then you can never see the change in society. I feel you should not wait for change to happen. You should be the change.”  — Actor Vishal

One thing is proven: corruption occurred, money was traded, and we therefore demand an investigation by the CBI. Officers in the CBFC who are responsible for this serious action should likewise face harsh consequences.” Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association.

At Excel Entertainment, we have had a collaborative relationship with both @CBFC_India and @MIB_India since 2001, and we can indubitably attest to their unwavering commitment to transparency and fair management. During our partnership, from our first film, Dil Chahta Hai, to our most recent, Fukrey 3, we have not encountered any obstacles or corrupt practises.— Farhan Akhtar posted

“I’m delighted that the Minister of Information and Broadcasting has moved the issue forward and initiated action. This is what I truly wanted because as ordinary people, we always look up to higher authority whether we observe corruption, are a part of corruption, or are a victim of corruption.” — Vishal