Raveena Tandon HITS BACK at the CBFC for refusing to certify 'Maatr'

The Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC) Examining Committee, under the leadership of chief Pahlaj Nihalani, has refused to certify Maatr. The Raveena Tandon-starrer, has been refused certification owing to two gruesome scenes that the Board apparently deemed inappropriate for viewing.

Sources informed MidDay, both the sequences, one among which involves the rape of the protagonist’s daughter, feature within the first 10 minutes of the film. The committee apparently refused to watch the entire film after viewing these portions.

Criticising the Board for its decision, Raveena said, “The Censor Board is bound by archaic laws which need to change according to the current times. Maatr is a story that needs to be told. We’ve had enough of sugarcoating of harsh realities. If this continues we will remain indifferent to brutality, and rape will remain a taboo,” reports the tabloid.

Raveena’s comeback vehicle deals with a mother’s revenge after her daughter’s gruesome murder. Reportedly, producer Anjum has now knocked on the doors of the Revising Committee, which is likely to give its verdict after watching the film this week. “I’m concerned, but hopeful that the Revising Committee will clear the film. This subject needs to be addressed through cinema. The Board will understand it.” he was quoted as saying.

Should the film be rejected by the Revising Committee, the makers can approach the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) for help.