‘CBFC CHANGE TIMING IS BANG ON’

Says Ayushmann, hoping that the Prasoon Joshi-led panel will pass his film on erectile dysfunction without cuts

Films on sensitive subjects often lock horns with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Now that its arguably most controversial chairman Pahlaj Nihalani has been replaced by lyricistadman Prasoon Joshi, Ayushmann Khurrana is delighted about the timing of this change. Reason: The actor’s upcoming film Shubh Mangal Saavdhan highlights the issue of erectile dysfunction, and the team had doubts about the then CBFC panel clearing it without hue and cry.

“The timing is so bang on! This transition is a blessing because it’s a taboo subject and we weren’t sure how censorship would be,” says Ayushmann, who debuted in Bollywood with Vicky Donor (2012) that dealt with the taboo subject of sperm donation. “We didn’t face cuts [Leela Samson was the chairperson], and I’m happy about this new panel,” says Ayushmann whose other film, Bareilly Ki Barfi, releases today. The actor believes that having “film industry insiders” such as Joshi and actor Vidya Balan in the panel will change things for good. “From the censorship perspective, we can be more quirky and edgy. They will support real art without unnecessarily cutting things. Prasoon Joshi comes from modern sensibilities.”

Ayushmann isn’t against scrutiny, and says that it’s vital in a country like India where people easily take offence. “Urban population is only 30%, the rest comprises mindsets and communities that we need to be sensitive towards. So, we have to tread a middle path even if we don’t want to... be progressive in a subtle way, without suddenly going gung ho about a film,” he says.

PHOTO: YOGEN SHAH