'Zero Tolerance For Corruption': CBFC On Tamil Actor Vishal's Allegations| Details

The Central Board of Film Certification, in a Press statement dated 29th September, took cognizance of "the allegations" of corruption by Tamil Actor Vishal "very seriously".

"We have taken note of the allegations being reported very seriously and CBFC has zero tolerance for corruption. Also, the strictest action will be taken against anyone found involved and we shall get into the root cause. Meanwhile, any attempt to malign the image of CBFC will not be tolerated...", said the CBFC in their statement.

Asserting that there is an online certification system already in place yet applicants choose to go through intermediaries goes against their objectives, the CBFC said, "It has been noticed that despite the online certification system i.e. E-Cinepramaan in place and regular updates on new system improvements for the film producers/applicants, they still choose to apply through intermediaries or agents. This goes against the objective of eliminating third-party involvement in the certification process"

On Thursday, Tamil Actor Vishal shared a video on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) claiming he paid Rs. 6.5 Lakhs as a bribe to obtain a censor certificate from the CBFC before the release of the Hindi version of his film Mark Antony.

Even the Centre responded to the allegations put forth by Vishal. Referring to the "problem of corruption" within the CBFC, as claimed by Vishal, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting expressed deep concern. They stated, "It is indeed regrettable. The Government is resolutely against corruption and strict measures will be taken against anyone implicated in such activities."

Furthermore, the ministry mentioned, "A senior official from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has been appointed to Mumbai to initiate an inquiry promptly."

In a message directed at the Producers Guild of India and the Motion Pictures Association, the ministry appealed to everyone to cooperate by sharing information regarding any other incidents of misconduct by CBFC.

Vishal released a video on Thursday in which he made an allegation that officials from the CBFC demanded a bribe amounting to ₹6.5 lakh in exchange for screening his film and providing it with a U/A certificate. He wrote on his social media page, "#Corruption being shown on the silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Can't digest it. Especially in govt offices. And even worse happening in the #CBFC Mumbai office. Had to pay 6.5 lacs for my film #MarkAntonyHindi version. 2 transactions. 3 Lakhs for screening and 3.5 Lakhs for certificate. Never faced this situation in my career. Had no option but to pay the concerned mediator #Menaga coz too much at stake since the movie released today. Bringing this to the notice of Hon Chief Minister of Maharashtra and my Hon PM Narendra Modiji."