Variety or vulgarity?
For the Telugu film industry which has been unable to generate a cultural space for its viewers, vulgarity and violence have been the only ways out.
Now they are facing censor trouble, says PADMAJA SHAW. A scene from Veera which interpolated shots post certification.
_150_200.jpg)
The Telugu film industry has been in crisis - both of the financial and identity variety. Variety can indicate a delightfully innocent belief on the part of the filmmakers that the viewers will flock to the cinemas if you call a song, a plot, a fight, an item number, comedy, why … even titles, ‘variety’ (Chaala variety songandi!). As in, the film has ‘variety item songs’, ‘variety murder’ or dare we say ‘variety rape scene’! (by ‘variety’ they mean it’s different much like the Maggi sweet and sour sauce).
But the current regional certification officer at Hyderabad, Ms Dhanalakshmi, is unimpressed by this variety. The industry is outraged that she is not taking them seriously. Ms Dhanalakshmi has been trying to bring some method to the madness by following the rules. For instance, a film is supposed to be sent for censor certification at least 21 days before release so that the producer/director has the required time to make the modifications recommended by the certification board. The current practice is to announce the release date, publicise it and submit the film for certification just a few days before the release. Then the filmmakers set about rushing to the censor office with enticements for quick certification. Insiders at CBFC-Hyderabad say that sometimes release prints are readied for dispatch well before the certification process, especially for overseas markets. The certification becomes a farce if it is done a day or so before release because there would be no time for incorporating any changes suggested by the board.
In fact, one would have thought that the labs would not be allowed to print distribution copies till the producer/director submits a CBFC certificate and the details of the changes recommended.
The other issue is that the filmmakers want a U certificate because it makes a big difference for satellite transmission rights. Many Telugu films have crass vulgarity and violence which deserve ‘A’ certification but Film makers harass censors and obtain a U certificate.
There are instances when shots are added to films after they have been certified. The onus of implementation is on the certification board through its members and the local police. On public complaints, Ms Dhanalakshmi raided and confiscated the reels of Veera, a Raviteja film, in early June for exhibiting with interpolations and additional shots.
Another sign of lawlessness in the industry is the way underage viewers are allowed to see adult films. Pokiri which has explicit violence was viewed by many children at a multiplex in Hyderabad.
The current refrain in the industry is that it is capable of self-regulation. This sure is a ‘variety’ suggestion for an industry that has been making copies and peddling violence and vulgarity. With the implicit and oft-spoken backing of the land-mafia, there are no doubts over where the argument is coming from.
With a single point focus on vulgarity and violence, audiences are being forced to turn to dubbed Tamil, Malayalam and Hollywood films which offer real variety. It is difficult to argue for or against censorship in a market where there is no level playing field and the industry is dominated by dubious sources of finance. In any democratic society, ideally it is agencies like the film certification boards that will protect interests of law-abiding citizens.
The Telugu film industry, barring very few exceptions (perhaps 5 films in ten years!), has been unable to generate a cultural space that addresses the creative needs of the talent working in it or the entertainment needs of its viewers. At the same time senior industry honchos have been targeting the certification officer to pass their trash. One producers is believed to have asked Dhanalakshmi to define a ‘lip-to-lip’ kiss. The question borders on sexual harassment and would never have been asked of a male certification officer.
The industry honchos will do well to welcome the opportunity of cleaning their stables and bringing some order to their enterprises. Even in mature democracies, cultural industries operate under certain restrictions and while the certification process is in vogue the industry must toe the line.
The certification process faces a thankless task with mindful citizens seeking effective control and the industry considering any restrictions excessive. This can be resolved only if big players in the industry set benchmarks for integrity and social responsibility.