Centre responds to Tamil actor's plea regarding CBFC corruption case; calls it 'unfortunate'

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has responded to Tamil actor Vishal's allegation that he paid ₹6.5 lakh bribe to obtain censor certification of the Hindi version of his film ‘Mark Antony’.

The Central government took notice of the alleged corruption in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Friday. Calling the case ‘unfortunate’, information and broadcasting ministry said they have deputed senior officials to probe into the corruption issue.

It mentioned, “The Government has zero tolerance for corruption and strictest action will be taken against anyone found involved,” wrote the ministry.

The ministry added, “A senior officer from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has been deputed to Mumbai to conduct an inquiry today itself.”

On Thursday, Vishal shared a video claiming that he paid a bribe of ₹6.5 lakh to get a censor certificate from the CBFC before the release of his film ‘Mark Antony’s Hindi version.

The actor wrote, "#Corruption being shown on silver screen is fine. But not in real life. Cant digest. Especially in govt offices. And even worse happening in #CBFC Mumbai office. Had to pay 6.5 lacs for my film #MarkAntony Hindi version. 2 transactions. 3 Lakhs for screening and 3.5 Lakhs for certificate."

He requested Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to look into the matter, he wrote, “Doing this is not for me but for future producers. NOT HAPPENING. My hard earned money gone for corruption ??? No way. Evidence down for all to hear. Hope truth prevails as always. GB," Vishal added.