‘Pathaan’ is a victim of controversy, says former CBFC Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani

Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s forthcoming film ‘Pathaan’ has been embroiled in a controversy ever since the release of its song ‘Besharam Rang’. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Thursday directed the makers to implement 'changes' in the film, including its songs.

Now, former CBFC Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani has reacted on the matter. He said that ‘Pathaan’ was 'a victim of controversy' and CBFC must have taken the decision under pressure from the ministry.

In recent interview with ETimes, Pahlaj recalled that Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’ and Salman Khan's ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ too faced boycott calls ahead of their release. He also talked about the CBFC getting a letter from the ministry ahead of film’s release due to ‘law-and-order situation.’

Pahlaj told ETimes, ‘There’s no guideline that states that a colour can be cut. You can suggest changes if there’s vulgarity or obscenity. But if they ask for cuts because of colour, it would be a wrong proceeding. There could be pressure from the ministry... Pathaan is a victim of controversy. The CBFC must have got pressurised from the ministry to delete this portion of saffron colour. Otherwise, they had cleared the costume and the shot in the trailer.’

He added, ‘It is the committee’s right to decide what cuts and modifications are needed. They will have to see the revised version. Prasoon Joshi might have given a statement but he has no right to watch Pathaan with the examining committee. He must have got pressure from the ministry to see the film carefully because of saffron colour. If they suggest a cut because of colour then it would be a wrong proceeding.’

A sequence in the ‘Besharam Rang’ song that shows Deepika Padukone wearing an orange swimsuit as she dances on the beach with SRK has been criticised by a section of people for hurting the sentiments of Hindus.

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