With sex, love-making scenes and violence no more a taboo in
Indian cinema, Sharmila feels the censor board has become lenient
because Indian movies are frequently at international film festivals,
reaching out to far more people and competing with foreign films;
hence the change in perception and a flexible approach is must.
"You no longer make films for Indian audience, you make
it for global audience. Young filmmakers are experimenting with
subjects and doing great work. We are here because a majority
of people want censorship in India because we live in a different
society," she said.
"Our approach is - be modern but look life in the face,"
she added.
Though the censor board is becoming flexible, there are many
filmmakers who are still unhappy with the body.
"Many filmmakers create a big fuss when we give them an
A-certificate. They go out in public and say umpteen things
about us and blame us for giving them adult certificate. But
this is not a popularity contest; if we have given you certain
certificate, we feel that your movie falls under that category,"
said Sharmila.
"We decide some portions, scenes or dialogues from the
movie are objectionable by sheer common sense. We know our audience,
we have to keep in mind the regional sensibilities and based
on all this we give a certificate," she added.
For the past two years, Sharmila has been trying hard to get
a fifth category in the certification - for the 15-plus children
- because she feels they are maturing early.
At present the CBFC has four categories - Universal or U for
all age group, Parental guidance of U/A, Adults only or A and
Restricted to any special class or S.
"Most of the filmmakers want their movies to be certified
under U/A. But that is just not possible. How can you show sex
to a six-year-old child? How will the child interpret it? I
admit that today's young directors are connecting with the younger
audience, but if you are using a slang, I can't give you a U/A,"
she said.
"This is why I am pushing hard to get another category
because 15-plus kids speak that language. They use the 'F' word
more often and all those slangs; so yes, there is definitely
need of that fifth category," she said, loking as graceful
as ever in a dull pink sari and shawl.