In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the Indian film industry, Tamil actor and producer Vishal has come forward with disturbing corruption allegations concerning the Central Bureau of Film Certification (CBFC) office in Mumbai. Vishal claims to have paid a bribe of ₹6.5 lakh to secure a censor certificate for the Hindi version of his film “Mark Antony,” sparking a nationwide debate on the integrity of film certification.
“Mark Antony,” a Tamil blockbuster, released on September 15, garnering a positive response from audiences. Its Hindi version hit theaters on September 28, but it was marred by allegations of corruption surrounding its certification process. Vishal, a prominent figure in the South Indian film industry, chose to address this issue head-on, shedding light on the murky depths of corruption within the CBFC.
In a video released on Thursday, September 28, 2023, Vishal Krishna, known for his influential roles in the Tamil film industry, revealed the distressing encounter he had with a CBFC staffer in Mumbai. According to Vishal, the staffer demanded a hefty sum of Rs 650,000 as a bribe before issuing the censor certificate for the Hindi version of “Mark Antony.” This allegation not only shocked the film fraternity but also raised serious questions about the ethics and transparency of the CBFC’s operations.
Vishal’s decision to go public with these allegations is significant, considering the potential consequences he might face. However, he stressed the importance of exposing corruption within the CBFC, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness in the film certification process. He emphasized that “Mark Antony” had already received certification in all four South Indian languages, making the demand for an additional bribe for the Hindi version all the more perplexing.
In his message to CBFC Chief Prasoon Joshi, Vishal urged a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the matter. He also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to promptly address this grave issue that threatens the credibility of the CBFC and the Indian film industry as a whole.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting responded to Vishal’s allegations by stating that a senior I&B official would be deputed to Mumbai to conduct an inquiry into the matter. This swift response indicates the seriousness with which the government is taking these allegations, as they recognize the importance of maintaining the integrity of film certification.
Vishal’s courage in speaking out against corruption within the CBFC serves as a reminder that no one, regardless of their stature, should be subjected to unethical practices. It also underscores the need for a transparent and corruption-free certification process to ensure that films are judged solely on their artistic merit and adherence to established guidelines.
The allegations made by Vishal have brought to the forefront the pressing issue of corruption within the CBFC. As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative that accountability is established, and corrective measures are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The film industry and its stakeholders, including filmmakers, actors, and audiences, deserve a certification process that upholds the highest standards of integrity and fairness.
In conclusion, Vishal’s revelation of corruption allegations against the CBFC Mumbai office has ignited a nationwide debate on the ethics of film certification in India. His courage in exposing these allegations highlights the need for transparency and fairness in the certification process. As the investigation progresses, it is hoped that necessary actions will be taken to restore faith in the certification system and uphold the principles of honesty and integrity in the film industry.
