Folding under pressure, Indian Censor Board asks 'Pathaan' makers to make changes to Besharam Rang

Folding under the pressure posed by Hindu right-wingers, the Censor Board of Film Certification India has directed the makers of Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham-starrer, Pathaan, to make changes to their 'controversial song', Besharam Rang. 

"The film recently reached the CBFC examination committee for certification. The film went through the due and thorough examination process as per the CBFC guidelines. The committee has guided the makers to implement the advised changes in the film including the songs and submit the revised version prior to theatrical release,” Prasoon Joshi, Chairman CBFB, said in a statement to PTI.

According to Hindustan Times, Joshi was quoted as, "The aim of the CBFC was to strike a balance between the creativity of the makers and the sentiments of the audience, and accordingly find a solution." Joshi added, "I must reiterate that our culture and faith is glorious, intricate and nuanced. And we have to be careful that it does not get defined by trivia which takes the focus away from the real and the true. And like I have said earlier as well, that the trust between creators and audience is most important to protect and the creators should keep working towards it."

Last week, a written complaint was filed at the Sakinaka police station in Mumbai alleging that the religious sentiments of people and the “intentional” use of the colour saffron to offend the Hindu religion are promoting vulgarity. 

Meanwhile, veteran actress Ratna Pathak Shah while talking about the controversy to a portal said, “I feel humans cannot sustain hate beyond a point. There is an uprise, but then you get exhausted with hate. I am waiting for that day to come. Look at our country, the pandemic has wiped-out small-scale manufacturing in our country, people don’t have enough to eat, and we are fussing over who is wearing what clothes?” 

Backstory 

Earlier this month, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra expressed his displeasure over the romantic track and called out the makers, specifically pointing out Padukone's skimpy wardrobe in the sizzling number. 

As quoted by the news agency ANI, the minister said, “The costumes in the song at first glance are objectionable. It is clearly visible that the song of the film Pathaan has been shot with a dirty mindset. I don't think this is right, and I will tell the director and makers of the film to fix it. Earlier also Deepika Padukone came in the support of Tukde Tukde Gang at JNU and that's why her mentality has come in front of everyone before.”

The MP, while politicising the track, added, "And that is why I believe that the name of this song Besharam Rang is also objectionable in itself and the way saffron and green have been worn, the colours of the song, the lyrics and the title of the film are not peaceful. It needs improvement. If it is not done, then we will consider whether its telecast should be allowed in Madhya Pradesh. Now let's see, so far all those who have been asked have improved. If it's not done then we will consider."

Before that, Chandrashekhar Tiwari, President of the Indian party Sanskriti Bachao Manch, also protested against the song and members of his group protested against the lead actors.

Chandrashekhar Tiwari said, "This is an insult to our saffron dress, which Sanskruti Bachao Manch will not tolerate. Shahrukh Khan, when Hindus started boycotting your film, you remembered Vaishno devi. Before the release of your film, you are going to Vaishno Devi."

He added, "You will have to apologise to all Hindus and remove the song from this film because the people of India made you a superstar. Shahrukh Khan, why are you always degrading your image by doing such acts? You should apologise to all Sanatan Dharma believers."

Bollywood Hungama previously reported that several protests were staged against the film as well. The outlet reported that a group named Veer Shivaji group planned protests on the streets, at a road intersection, in Indore where they burnt the effigies of Khan. 

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