Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairman Prasoon Joshi said on Thursday that the censor board has directed the makers of Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Pathan’ to make some changes, including in the songs. Joshi said in a statement that the CBFC has asked film production company Yash Raj Films to submit a revised version of the film as per the board’s guidelines. He did not elaborate on the changes that the makers have been asked to make.
The film ‘Pathan’ is embroiled in controversy these days and after the release of its song ‘Besharam Rang’ on 12th December, there were demands to ban it. A scene in the song in which actress Deepika Padukone can be seen in a saffron bikini has sparked nationwide protests alleging it hurt ‘Hindu sentiments’. Joshi said in a statement to ‘PTI-Bhasha’, ‘The film recently reached the CBFC Study Committee for certification and went through the entire study process as per the CBFC guidelines.’
The committee has directed the filmmakers to make the suggested changes including the songs in the film and submit the revised version before its release in theatres. Joshi said the CBFC aims to strike a balance between the creativity of producers and the sentiments of the audience and find solutions. He said, “Our culture and faith are rich and deep. And as I said earlier, it is most important to safeguard the trust between the producers and the audience and the producers should keep working in this direction. Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra and organizations like Vishwa Hindu Parishad are among those who have expressed displeasure with the song ‘Besharam Rang’ and demanded changes in it. The Madhya Pradesh Ulema Board has also demanded a ban on the film for ‘misrepresenting Islam’. The makers of the film also released another song ‘Jhoome Jo Pathan’ last week. Actor John Abraham will also be seen in ‘Pathan’ and it will be released in theaters on January 25.
