The arbitrary ouster of some reputable names from the advisory panel of the Censor Board seems to have opened up a Pandora’s box in the industry

By Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; March 17, 2012)

 

The recent unceremonious removal of people like Nandini Sardesai and Devyani Kiran from the advisory panel of the Mumbai Region of Central Board of Film Certification seems to have opened a Pandora’s box of sorts. It is learnt that the advisory panel consists of a lot of new members who aren’t deemed qualified to judge the cinema that the larger audience should watch. Besides, some industry people are also unhappy with the way the CEO, Pankaja Thakur (right), is running the organisation, stating she’s being partial to bigger filmmakers.

Did Agneepath find favour with the Censor Board?

On her own whims? According to a former member of the advisory panel, after taking over as the CEO, Thakur formed a core committee of members who would watch big banner films with her. “Pankaja thought these people would listen to her when taking the decision. She has never bothered consulting the panel, comprising of people having good knowledge of society, culture, cinema etc, formed by the Board,” he reveals.

Did Delhi Belly find favour with the Censor Board?

Further, he adds that people like Sardesai and Kiran were unceremoniously removed stating a new rule that barred any member from being included in the advisory panel after two consecutive terms. “In fact, this rule was suggested by Pankaja More >