CBFC VS Vishal's Alleged Corruption Row: Member Ashok Pandit Reacts, Former Chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani Lashes Over Current CP Prasoon Joshi Should Resign!

On Thursday, Tamil actor Vishal released a video of him speaking out on Mumbai’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for demanding Rs 6.5 for his film Mark Anthony’s Hindi dubbed screening and granting a U/A certificate. In which, he also mentioned two names who pulled out money from him and appealed this matter to Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and also Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.

Centre is the first to order probes!

Following the allegations made by the actor, the first one to react was the Central Government of India which said senior officials have been deputed to Mumbai to probe the matter by further urging the Producers Guild of India and the Motion Pictures Association to cooperate by providing information about other instances of harassment by the CBFC.

CBFC responds in a press release statement

CBFC’s long press release statement came soon after the Information and Broadcasting Ministry reacted. In the note, they’ve warned the producers and applicants not to apply through a third party as they have noticed how several still choose to apply through intermediaries or agents, despite the availability of the online certification system E-Cinepramaan.

The board has taken Vishal’s claims very seriously and said to investigate with strict action if anyone is found involved. Adding on, they urged producers and filmmakers to apply for certification well in advance of their scheduled release dates. While also said that any attempt to malign the image of the CBFC will not be tolerated.

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Former CBFC chairperson lashes over current should resign from CP’s position

The previous Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification Pahlaj Nihalani comes in support of actor Vishal, speaking to AajTak he has lashed out at the current Chairperson Prasoon Joshi and said he is of the opinion that this man should resign for the welfare of industry. 

Former CP said, “If he is not able to give time, then he has no right to continue sitting on that chair” and further added that what is happening inside the board is very shameful. And went on to reveal that corruption has been happening for a very long time now, as several producers call him by saying “‘If you were there sir, we would not have had any problem, but as it is now, nothing happens without money’. People don't even watch movies," Pahlaj said. 

After receiving complaints from the various applicants, the former chairperson even asked the concerned member of CBFC to understand the seriousness of the matter and further recalled an acquaintance from the Kannada film industry was also deferred for the certificate of Hindi dub for their movie approvals and then the film was given a certificate after getting the money. 

"Corruption is happening so openly here. Now let's see that many producers and directors will come forward and express their plight,” he added

CBFC Member Ashok Pandit says it is improper of Vishal to accuse at this time

The member of CBFC and filmmaker Ashok Pandit also responded on Vishal’s matter and said it is improper of him to accuse a CBFC officer at this time but looking at the seriousness of the allegations made by the actor he has demanded a CBI investigation.

Speaking to ANI, Ashok said, “... There are two names he takes in his statement, M Rajan and Jija Ramdas. As per my knowledge, these two are not the employees of CBFC... Accusing a CBFC officer at this stage is not right... But if allegations are being made, then we demand a CBI inquiry because the allegations are very serious…

It is obvious that any officer who demands money will not take it (directly) into his account... These two people he named should be asked if they have taken the money on someone's behalf at the CBFC... High power inquiry should be initiated..."

After Vishal, Producer Ramesh Vyas also speaks out!

After the Tamil actor spoke out on corruption demands made by the CBFC people, producer Ramesh Vyas has also spoken on the same issue that he faced. Mentioning his latest movie ‘Love All’, “I had to pay Rs. 5 lakhs to get the certificate in 5 languages. Even then, I got the certificate for 2 regional versions 2 days after the release of the film,” Vyas said in an interview with Bollywood Hungama. 

‘Mark Antony’ directed by Adhik Ravichandran and produced by S Vinod Kumar under Mini Studio is a science fiction action-comedy film starring Vishal and S J Suryah in dual roles. Released on September 15 and Hindi version hit theatres on September 28.

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