‘Focus on sound decisions, not on popular ones’

Prasoon Joshi, the newly appointed chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), believes there’s a need for the censor body and filmmakers to have a mutual understanding and appreciation of each one’s roles and responsibilities. He says his focus will be on driving sound decisions, which may or may not be “popular”.

There is widespread speculation about the changes that are likely to happen in the running of the CBFC. Please shed light on what ground rules you would like to follow.

What can I say about speculations? Of course, suggestions that come from thinking minds can provide insight. As far as frameworks are concerned, as an industry we operate as one and as part of the eco-system. So does the CBFC, where there are current guidelines, my attempt would be to guide and view the work holistically.

Your predecessor, Pahlaj Nihalani, made many unpopular decisions on behalf of the CBFC. Do you see yourself reversing some of the negative image that the CBFC has acquired lately?

Mr. Nihalani is a senior member of the industry and it would not be fair to comment on his tenure. Also, I think the focus should not be on whether a decision is popular but whether it’s a sound one. Progress cannot be done in isolation.

So what is your short-term solution?

CBFC and the film industry need to collaborate so that there is mutual understanding and appreciation of each one’s roles and responsibilities.

Finally, what should producers and filmmakers expect from you in your capacity as the censor chief?

Discussion, dialogue and mutual respect for varied points of view.