Will the Maha government really avoid censorship on films?
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Synopsis
In a significant announcement, Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar declared that the state government will not impose additional censorship on films beyond the existing norms of the censor board. This decision is part of a broader effort to craft a new film policy with expert involvement, ensuring the freedom of expression in cinema.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra government will not impose extra censorship on films.
- New film policy is in development with industry experts.
- Complaints can be lodged against defamatory films.
- Total of 15,444 films were censored in 2024-2025.
- Film narratives can portray political figures positively or negatively.
Mumbai, July 9 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced in the state council that the government will not impose any form of restrictions or censorship on films, other than what is mandated by the censor board.
The minister emphasized that a comprehensive film policy for the state is currently in the works, with contributions from industry experts.
Shelar's remarks came in response to a calling attention motion by MLC Parinay Phuke, who urged the government to impose limits on the negative depiction and slander of political figures in cinema.
He stated, "Whether it is in Marathi or Hindi films, there is a longstanding tradition of depicting political figures, leaders, and public representatives in cinema, often showing them in both a positive and negative light."
The minister cited several Marathi films that have featured politicians as central characters over the years.
He also revealed that a total of 15,444 films were censored in 2024-2025 across all languages, a figure that continues to grow, noting that some films present political leaders positively.
He indicated that the audience's maturity can be assessed from the box office performances of films based on political figures.
Shelar explained, "When issuing a censor certificate, films are evaluated based on various criteria. If a movie defames someone, there is a mechanism to lodge a complaint, which can lead to the cancellation of the censor certificate. We also have existing laws that address defamatory films and related parties. Thus, no further censorship or restrictions will be implemented."
Point of View
I firmly believe that the Maharashtra government's stance on film censorship is a progressive step towards artistic freedom. By allowing filmmakers the latitude to portray political narratives, it fosters a more diverse cinematic landscape. This approach not only respects the audience's maturity but also upholds the essence of storytelling in cinema.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maharashtra government's stance on film censorship?
The Maharashtra government has stated that it will not impose any additional censorship on films beyond what is required by the censor board.
Who is the Cultural Affairs Minister of Maharashtra?
The current Cultural Affairs Minister of Maharashtra is Ashish Shelar.
Will there be a new film policy in Maharashtra?
Yes, a new film policy is being formulated with input from experts in the film industry.
Can films be censored for defamatory content?
Yes, if a film is found to defame someone, there are mechanisms to lodge complaints, which can lead to the cancellation of the censor certificate.
How many films were censored in 2024-2025?
A total of 15,444 films were censored across all languages in 2024-2025.
