Derek Bose
Rupa Publications 2005
This book is a no-holds-barred debate on film censorship as it exists today. Derek Bose has dexterously woven together and juxtaposed two opposing viewpoints on censorship in today’s milieu. To begin with, he chronicles the sharp dichotomy between those who strongly believe in the freedom of speech and those who believe in moral policing. Bose then extends this dichotomy to the world of film-making and to our very own Bollywood. And in so doing he urges the reader to dwell upon the rationale and relevance of the CBFC (Central Board of film certification) in today’s world.
The Bollywood film-watching public is a confused lot today. They read reports about censors snipping objectionable footage and yet they are treated to films where sleaze, erotica and violence abound. This is surprising as the Indian film censorship code is the most restrictive in the world. So how do the ‘Item numbers’ with scantily clad women (or men) and risqué lyrics sneak past vigilant censors. Bose details the subterfuges used by the film-makers to get their way. He makes out a case study of the song ‘Choley ke peeche kya hai’. The well-publicized censorship and moral furore generated by this song worked wonders for Subhash Ghai’s film ‘Khalnayak’ which become a box-office bonanza.
Mujra, Holi festivity, tribal rituals or rape are the stock ploys used by film-makers to add an erotic lustre to their films and set the cash registers ringing. He also highlights the fact that the censor board is a toothless tiger which has the power to cut through objectionable footage but no power to ensure its implementation. This is so because the censors have no control over media like the television or the VCD’s which unabashedly use this footage. Bose has presented a large number of case studies to substantiate his viewpoint. He has added photographs from controversial films and censor board notes on cuts to strengthen his argument.
Bollywood Uncensored: What You Don't See on Screen and Why
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