After locking horns with many filmmakers over certification of films and proposed cuts, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani is reportedly proposing a new way to promote "clean" films that promote "traditional values".
According to a report in The Telegraph, Nihalani is going to propose the introduction of a new category for film certification — 'Q', which stands for 'quality'.
But facing criticism that he was yet again pushing his ideas of right and wrong on filmmakers and was acting like a moral police, Nihalani told Bollywood Trade: "Let me make it clear, the 'Q' certification is not a certification, it's a suggestion. As we give 'U' certificate to films for universal viewing, quality films that promote Indian ethos, culture and give good message should come under 'Q' category and should be made tax free all over."
Citing Ram Madhvani's recent film Neerja (2016) as an example of "good content and message", Nihalani said that the 'Q' rating would encourage filmmakers to make better films.
But CBFC members did not appear very enthused about the new plan, with some saying that the subject was never even discussed in any of their meetings.
Filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt, who is also the president of the Films and Television Producers' Guild of India, said, "Of course, tax levied on films in India is very high and small filmmakers bear the brunt, but why give benefits only to a certain category of films that some people sitting at CBFC feel is good? Cinema is an art form and it is ridiculous that somebody is planning to judge it morally in such naïve manner."
Also on HuffPost India:
