Hope Benegal’s recommendations are implemented soon: Manoj Bajpayee

Actor Manoj Bajpayee says in order to stop the constant tussle between Censor Board and filmmakers, Shyam Benegal’s recommendations regarding film certification should be implemented as soon as possible.

Acclaimed filmmaker Benegal had reccomened that there should be two categories of U/A, one plus 12 years of age and one plus 15 years of age and two categories of adult–one normal adult and another adult with caution.

“I really hope Shyam Benegal’s recommendation is implemented as soon as possible. The conflict between filmmakers and the Censor Board, which has been going since years, will continue unless we modernise the recommendations, regulations and guidelines,” he told reporters here.

“As long as that doesn’t happen, filmmakers and Censor Board’s conflict will go on,” he added.
The actor was speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming film “Saat Uchakkey”.

While there were reports that the film was stuck at the Censor Board for a long time owing to the excessive use of expletives, Bajpayee said things were not made “difficult” for them, but the fact is that the makers decided to take their time.

“Luckily, with this kind of a film, where we wanted the language according to the characters, place and situations, if we look at it from that way, for us it was a cakewalk. We never had to face that problem.

“Tribunal had left the decision to us so our responsibility increased that we don’t disappoint or dissatisfy tribunal. That took time. To say that things were made difficult for us, nothing like that happened. It was a journey that took time only because of us, because of our own directors creative call.”

The film has been directed by Sanjeev Sharma and also stars Kay Kay Menon, Vijay Raaz, Aditi Sharma and actor Ayushmann Khuranna’s brother Aparshakti, in his Bollywood debut.

The makers said that the Tribunal was supportive and certain dialogues have been “modified or tweaked”, but there are no cuts or beeps in the movie.

“Irrespective of who comes and goes, censor board follows its guidelines.

The person (in-charge) is not important, hence I never spoke about it. My problem has always been, whether Censor Board should certify or classify us. We need to focus on this,” the 47-year-old actor said.

“Saat Uchakkey” is slated to hit theatres on October 14.
PTI