Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan has been in the middle of controversy right since the first teaser of the movie dropped. With weeks left for the movie’s release, the Yash Raj Film’s production is still in a tussle with several forces which might potentially impact the release, CBFC being one of them.
Central Board of Film Certification directs makers of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Pathaan" to implement "changes" in movie, including its songs: Chairperson Prasoon Joshi
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 29, 2022
While speaking to the media, CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi stated that the board has made a few recommendations to the makers of Pathaan, which include revising a few scenes and the songs to avoid further tension.
A still from Besharam Rang – Credits : Hindustan Times
The Statement
“Pathaan went through the due and thorough examining process as per the CBFC guidelines. The committee has guided the makers to implement the advised changes in the film including the songs and submit the revised version period to theatrical release,” said the chief.
“CBFC is always committed to finding 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 are 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.” continued Joshi.
CBFC chief : Credits – Current Affairs
The Controversy
The controversy over the movie began after the release of their first song ‘Besharam rang’. The lead actress of the movie Deepika Padukone was seen wearing a saffron dress for a few seconds in the song. Several right-wing accounts and groups complained against it as it was seen as an association with the ideology/religion of the colour and the word ‘Besharam’ which means ‘unashamed’.
Prasoon Joshi & the Sanghis want #PathanMovie to have songs like this! pic.twitter.com/0VM1aVsXVv
— Suby #ReleaseSanjivBhatt (@Subytweets) December 29, 2022
Prasoon Joshi all over my TL made me revisit this pic.twitter.com/HtDWQJjvJg
— bru (@BruJacck) December 29, 2022
This saffron nonsense is peak idiocy. Prasoon Joshi is admitting:
a) he has no spine
b) censor board is worthless at its job
c) he’s scared of Hindutva groups
d) he’s another duffer #Pathaansong https://t.co/jvUnz8czj3— Sangita (@Sanginamby) December 29, 2022
A BJP Minister from Madhya Pradesh Narottam Mishra had earlier called the song ‘objectionable’. He also stated that it was shot with a ‘dirty mindset’. The controversy which started online soon made it to the streets as a few right-wing organisations protested against the movie in different parts of the country.
@/prasoonjoshi this is for you: pic.twitter.com/ecNXv9xp2G
— Shilpak. (@ugach_kahitarii) December 29, 2022
“As far as costume colours are concerned, the Committee has stayed unbiased. I am sure when the film comes out the reflection of this balanced approach will be clear to everyone.” He further explained, “We need to understand that CBFC works under guidelines as per the Cinematograph Act. And endeavours to do its best in certifying the films for the appropriate category”
