Old Enough to Vote, But Not Choose a Film? RGV Demands End to Censorship
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has demanded the abolition of India’s film censor board, arguing that adult audiences should be allowed to decide what they want to watch.
In a strongly worded social-media post, Varma said censoring scenes in the age of smartphones, global streaming platforms and freely available online content was outdated and ineffective. He urged the film industry to unite and challenge the existing system. (Hindustan Times)
RGV Questions the Logic of Censorship
Varma argued that citizens who are considered mature enough to vote at the age of 18 should also be trusted to choose the films they watch.
He questioned why adults capable of working, running businesses and managing families should require officials to decide which scenes they are permitted to see in theatres. According to him, this approach undermines the intelligence and personal choice of viewers. (Hindustan Times)
“Cuts Make Little Sense in the Digital Age”
The filmmaker said violent crime reports, explicit material and uncensored international content are already widely accessible online.
He added that deleting scenes from theatrical versions does not prevent people from watching them, as uncut clips often appear quickly on social media, Telegram and torrent platforms. (Hindustan Times)
Cites Viral Scene From Obsession
Varma referred to a scene from Obsession that was reportedly removed by the censor board.
He claimed the deleted sequence was later watched by far more people through Instagram Reels than it would have been inside theatres, arguing that censorship can sometimes increase public curiosity instead of suppressing content. (Hindustan Times)
Calls for Ratings Instead of Cuts
Varma said the existing censor system should be replaced with a clear age-classification and content-rating mechanism.
Under such a system, authorities would inform audiences about the nature of the film, while the final decision to watch it would remain with viewers. He also urged producers and directors to approach the courts collectively and initiate a wider public debate under the hashtag #BanTheCensor. (Hindustan Times)
Comments