‘Mark Antony’ star Vishal claims he paid ₹6.5 lakh to get CBFC certificate for Hindi release: ‘No option'

‘Mark Antony’ actor Vishal has accused the Central Board of Film Certification of taking a bribe of ₹6.5 before the release of the Hindi version of the film. He also said he has all the proof to back his claims.

Vishal shared a video in which he addressed Maharashtra Eknath Shinde and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, ‘We applied for a certificate online and we had to come in last minute due to some technical issue. But, we were taken aback by what happened at CBFC office in Mumbai. When my person visited the office, we were given an option to pay the price of ₹6.5 lakh and get the certification the same day. We were left with no option.’

Tamil actor Vishal Krishna alleges corruption by CBFC Mumbai officials, says paid Rs 6.5 lakhs for the release of Mark Antony's Hindi version. #MarkAntony #MarkAntonyhindi @VishalKOfficial

(Video: Vishal's social media)

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He added, ‘We were supposed to give ₹3 lakh for the screening to happen at the CBFC and another ₹3.5 lakh to get the certificate.’

He then went on to name a woman who allegedly made the transactions. He also claimed that the woman told them it was common practice that people paid ₹4 lakh when they submitted films 15 days ahead of the release date.

‘We had no option, we paid the money in two instalments. If this is the case in government offices, I really request higher authorities to look into this matter,’ he said.

Sharing the video on his social media accounts, Vishal 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 #MarkAntonyHindi version. 2 transactions. 3 Lakhs for screening and 3.5 Lakhs for certificate.’

He added, ‘Never faced this situation ever in my career. Had no option but to pay the concerned mediator #Menaga coz too much at stake since movie released today. Bringing this to the notice of Hon Chief Minister of Maharashtra and my Hon PM Narendra Modiji. 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 @mieknathshinde @narendramodi.’

The Hindi version of ‘Mark Antony’ was released in theatres on September 28.

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