The debate surrounding creative freedom and the role of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has once again come into focus, especially with several films facing certification-related hurdles in recent months. The question of whether a certification body should merely assess films or exercise a greater degree of control over their eventual presentation has remained a contentious one within the industry.
Adding his voice to the discussion, filmmaker Honey Trehan, whose period crime drama Satluj faced a prolonged censorship battle, has criticised the CBFC's latest advisory for filmmakers, describing it as an indication of "cowardice" and "dictatorship". Reacting to the five new directives issued by the board, Trehan wrote on his Instagram Stories, "New guidelines show and underline the cowardice and the dictatorship in the country, not the democratic approach towards the freedom of speech."
The advisory, dated October 26 and signed by CBFC Chief Executive Officer Rajendra Singh, lays down five directives for producers seeking certification. Among other things, it requires filmmakers to submit completed versions of their films, with final graphics, titles, credits, subtitles, disclaimers, background score, music and sound mix. Incomplete prints containing placeholder graphics or temporary elements could face delays, be returned or have their applications rejected. The board has also clarified that applications will be considered received only after all required documents and formalities are completed.
Another significant directive states that announced film titles, including those used in promotional material, will remain subject to scrutiny and may be modified by the examining or revising committee. Similarly, announced theatrical release dates and trailer or teaser launch schedules will not be grounds for expedited certification. The CBFC has advised producers to submit their films well in advance rather than expect the board to accommodate self-imposed release schedules.
Trehan's reaction comes against the backdrop of his own experience with Satluj, starring Diljit Dosanjh as Sikh human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The film, initially titled Ghallughara, was later renamed Punjab '95 and remained caught in a certification dispute for nearly three years. In an earlier interview with The Indian Express, Trehan revealed that the CBFC initially suggested 21 cuts, which the makers contested. Following their legal battle, he alleged that the number of suggested cuts increased to 127 during subsequent negotiations.
The makers eventually opted for a digital premiere, releasing the film on ZEE5 on July 3 under the title Satluj. However, the film was removed from the platform within two days following a direction from the Centre, which cited national security concerns and obligations under the IT Rules, 2021. The development reignited conversations about the limits of creative expression, particularly since OTT releases do not ordinarily fall under the CBFC's film-certification process.
The latest advisory comes after the CBFC was reconstituted in September, with former Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati appointed as its chairperson. The 18-member board includes actors Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Rupali Ganguly and Pallavi Joshi, filmmaker Priyadarshan, composer Ricky Kej and producer Supriya Yarlagadda, among others.