Since December 12 Pathaan has been visible in the headlines facing the boycott calls from the netizens and politicians. The song Besharam Rang featuring Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan has been the focal of contention between many. On Thursday, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked the makers to execute some ‘changes’ in the film, including the songs in the film’s albums. Recently, former CBFC Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani has reacted to the controversies circulating in the internet surrounding Pathaan and told that it is ‘a victim of controversy’.
In a conversation with ETimes Pahlaj said, “There’s no guideline that states that a colour can be cut. You can suggest changes if there’s vulgarity or obscenity. But if they ask for cuts because of colour, it would be a wrong proceeding. There could be pressure from the ministry… Pathaan is a victim of controversy. The CBFC must have got pressurised from the ministry to delete this portion of saffron colour. Otherwise, they had cleared the costume and the shot in the trailer.”
He further added, “It is the committee’s right to decide what cuts and modifications are needed. They will have to see the revised version. Prasoon Joshi might have given a statement but he has no right to watch Pathaan with the examining committee. He must have got pressure from the ministry to see the film carefully because of saffron colour. If they suggest a cut because of colour then it would be a wrong proceeding.”
On Thursday, the CBFC instructed the Pathaan’s producer Yash Raj Films to work on a revised version catering to the board guidelines, chairperson Prasoon Joshi mentioned in a statement.
“I must reiterate that our culture and faith is glorious, intricate and nuanced. And we have to be careful that it does not get defined by trivia which takes the focus away from the real and the true. And like I have said earlier as well, that the trust between creators and audience is most important to protect and the creators should keep working towards it,” Prasoon told news agency PTI.
