The Film Censor Board has been in the news over the last few months. Apart from the Central Censor Board in Mumbai, all the film industries have their own Regional Censor Board officers and get cleared by them respectively. With every producer now required to apply online, the order of the films is very clear. And as per the rules, the Regional Censor Board will clear regional films and the Central Board will intervene only if there is any problem. However, there are reports that even regional films are being sent to Mumbai to get a clearance from the Chairman and other Central Board members.

Vijay in Adirindhi
Vijay in Adirindhi




“There is a basic rule that any film should apply one month before the release date. But, many of the producers don’t apply in advance and rush at the last minute. If there are any cuts in the film, it takes time and then, the Censor Board is blamed, which is not correct,” says Jeevitha Rajasekhar, a member of Central Board of Film Certification, who adds that the online system clearly shows the order of the films to be cleared.

According to a source, some of the big producers who apply at the last minute to clear their films, have to get an NOC (no objection certificate) from other filmmakers who are already in the queue. “Now, to get the NOC, these big producers are bribing the small filmmakers with some money. This is the practice since the last few months,” says the source.

Interestingly, many small films and films made on phones and handy cameras also apply for the censor certificate. “Some people are applying only to get some money,” adds the source. Some of the influential people are even calling the Chairman in Mumbai, asking for intervention in the clearance of the film.