Kochi: KaBodyscapes movie director on Friday claimed that Pahlaj Nihalani, chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), told him that CBFC will not certify the movie with or without any cuts. The Kerala High Court had asked the CBFC to make an effort to certify the film in the appropriate classification by giving an opportunity to the filmmaker to modify or delete the scenes which were found to be objectionable. The order was passed in December 3, 2017 and a special review show was held on Friday in Mumbai pursuant to the court order.
Interestingly, KaBodyscapes submitted for certification in March 2016. Since then several committees reviewed the film and cases were filed. “It’s so unfortunate. The CBFC does not even care about a court order. The High court specifically stated that the CBFC can impose an outright ban. They are totally ignoring the court order,” Jayan Cherian, the producer, director and script writer of the feature film told this newspaper. CBFC chairman watched the movie KaBodyscapes with the review committee in Mumbai at NFDC Preview theatre at 11.30 am.
“After the special screening the chairman told me that he will not certify the film. Pahlaj Nihalani told me today he will not certify the film. He added that he doesn't have any suggestions for cuts, mutes or blur, and has no problem with nudity or homosexuality, but he seems to have some issues with the film that he couldn't articulate,” Jayan Cherian said.
In a Facebook post, Jayan said, “I asked him (Pahlaj Nihalani) to give me in writing the reasons for the refusal of the certification; he told me he would sit down over the weekend and prepare the report and give it to me on Monday. “I realised one thing from the whole exercise that Indian judiciary doesn't have any teeth when people like Pahlaj Nihalani are in power and independent filmmaking is impossible in India. To my fellow filmmakers who are sitting in the gallery, don't clap your hands so hard, it is already clipped,” he added.
