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Chennai: In a stark critique of India’s film certification system, acclaimed Tamil film director Pa. Ranjith has alleged that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is dominated by right-wing members who scrutinize content with a biased perspective. He made these remarks while speaking at the Thandakaaranyam movie pre release event in Chennai, asserting his commitment to creating cinema for the masses despite these challenges.

A Hostile Environment for Filmmakers, Says Pa Ranjith 

Ranjith detailed a discouraging atmosphere filmmakers face when seeking certification for their work. He stated that the current censor board, which he described as “pro-rightist,” pays extreme attention to every detail, often looking for hidden codes or messages. “The way they look at us, talk to us, and handle us as soon as we come in is terrible,” he revealed. This environment, he argued, is a reflection of the broader global shift where right-wing movements have gained significant strength, replacing the once-dominant international left-wing movements.

The director contrasted this with the past, noting that previously, any subtext or coded message in a film would only be analysed by intellectuals. Today, he laments, a much wider and more vigilant audience, including the certification board, is eager to dissect and often oppose such content, making the release of politically or socially conscious films a formidable challenge.

Navigating OTT Hurdles by Taking Films Directly to the People

Further expanding on the challenges, Ranjith highlighted the growing problems with Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. He noted that while these platforms previously acquired all kinds of films, they now face their own pressures, leading them to sometimes remove content deemed problematic. This has created a precarious situation where a film’s presence on a digital platform is no longer secure.

In response to these dual challenges from both the censor board and OTT companies, Ranjith declared that his ultimate hope and audience are the people. He vowed to bypass these institutional hurdles by taking his films directly to the public. “When OTT fails, we go to the people,” he said. His mission is to not tell safe, familiar stories but to present narratives that confront the crises people face daily. He concluded with a hopeful appeal, stating, “We hope that by supporting such films, you will give us a hand and lift us up,” positioning public support as the most powerful counterforce to institutional bias.