Is censorship of films justified?

Censorship has loaded connotations. We have the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) which is a statutory body, and all our films go to them for certification. An industry such as films can be accorded a certain kind of self-censorship. I find the word ‘censorship’ itself a bit problematic. When we see films from the West, they are rated — this film needs parental guidance, this film is rated this and that. So a certain age or a certain demographic is thought suitable to watch the film. In our country, we have U/UA/A certificates. The need is to certify the films. But to censor the film is something which inevitably seems contrary to freedom of artistic expression. It is a bit problematic to think of CBFC as a censor board.

Unfortunately, that is what it has been seen as. There is a lot of content which is extremely objectionable, but is available on the internet. I feel that content should be monitored. But we all seem to raise our hands and say we can’t do much about that because it is on the internet. All morality cannot be laid at the door of the film field. How can somebody say something cannot be fit to watch when you can watch whatever you want on the internet. The best we can do is saying that this particular content is not suitable for all age groups, and maybe everyone will support you on that.
Vijay Krishna Acharya, Film Director

Films should not be censored unless the content is illegal. Certification makes sense because not all content is suited for all age groups, and especially for the vulnerable sections of the society. Some films are made with a new perspective for people to think differently, but the Central Board of Film Certification feels people cannot handle such content. You will find everything on the internet today, and there is no certification or censorship of online content. People download and share everything they like. If the content is attacking someone or some community, then only that content should be censored or banned.
Anja Kovacs, Director of Internet Democracy Project

In a country like India with a vibrant democracy, where even the Prime Minister is open to criticism on Twitter and other platforms and does not take offence, who are these people who are taking offence to adult content?

I can understand censoring the adult content on television because it comes directly inside the house. But for a ticket-buying public, for an adult to be told what is right and what is wrong is absolutely unacceptable. By all means, make sure that children don’t watch it. Give it a rating that you think is appropriate.

What might be offensive to you might not be offensive to me. So, I would like to know what exactly is offensive to an adult?
Vikram Bhatt, Film Director

As told to Saleha Paatwala