According to chairman Prasoon Joshi, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has directed the producers of the upcoming movie Pathaan starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone to make several modifications, especially to the songs, and submit a revised version. The movie recently went through the proper and comprehensive evaluation process in accordance with the board’s rules before being submitted to the CBFC examination committee for certification.
One of its songs, Besharam Rang, courted controversy since Deepika Padukone was wearing an orange bikini. Joshi said, “CBFC is always committed to find the right balance between creative expression and sensibility of the audience and believe that we can always find solutions through meaningful dialogue between all stakeholders.”
“Whilst the process is getting duly followed and implemented 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.”
The committee has instructed the film’s creators to incorporate the suggested modifications, including those to the songs, and submit the new cut before it is shown in theatres.
Pathaan, directed by Siddharth Anand and starring John Abraham, is slated for theatrical release in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu in January 2023.