Madras HC seeks explanation from CBFC for denying censor certificate to Vetrimaaran's 'Manushi': 'Filmmakers are already suffering from a lot of difficulties'

The Madras High Court has raised strong concerns over the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) refusal to grant clearance to the Tamil film 'Manushi'. It has questioned the board’s failure to clearly identify which parts of the film were deemed objectionable.Madras HC sought explanationThe issue reached the court after acclaimed filmmaker Vetrimaaran filed a petition on Tuesday (June 3) . According to The Hindu, he challenged the CBFC’s decision to withhold certification for 'Manushi', a film he produced and which was directed by filmmaker N. Gopi Nainar. Vetrimaaran argued that the board had not provided any clarity on which specific scenes, dialogues, visuals, or musical elements were problematic.Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, who presided over the matter, expressed concern about the opaque process followed by the CBFC. “Making a movie is a part of the right to speech and expression. As such, the filmmakers are already suffering from a lot of difficulties. You cannot deny certification for an entire movie without specifying the objectionable portions and expect a filmmaker to shoot the entire movie afresh,” the judge reportedly said.

The court observed that unless the CBFC clearly listed the scenes it found offensive, the filmmaker would be left in the dark and risk incurring heavy financial losses due to re-shoots or delays.Court's order to CBFCThe CBFC has now been asked to either submit a detailed list of the objectionable parts of 'Manushi' or arrange a screening with Vetrimaaran and indicate the scenes that require changes. The deadline for this has been set for June 16.During the hearing, it was conveyed to the court that both the examining and revising committees of the CBFC had unanimously recommended withholding certification. Their objections reportedly included allegations that the film challenged the integrity of the state, contained contemptuous content, criticised government policies, perpetuated stereotypes contributing to a north-south divide, and depicted scenes allegedly against national interests.

In response to these assertions, the judge asked the CBFC to file an explanation by June 11.About Manushi'Manushi', starring Andrea Jeremiah in the lead, also features Nasser, Tamizh, Hakkim Shah, and Balaji Sakthivel in pivotal roles. The film’s music has been composed by maestro Ilaiyaraaja.