CBFC 'guides' SRK-Deepika starrer 'Pathaan' makers to make 'changes' in songs

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has directed the makers of Shah Rukh Khan starrer Pathaan to implement "changes" in the movie, including its songs, chairperson Prasoon Joshi said on Thursday. The CBFC has asked production banner Yash Raj Films to submit a revised version of the spy action thriller in accordance with board guidelines, Joshi said in a statement. He did not detail the changes suggested to the makers.

"Pathaan" found itself battling controversy and calls for a ban after the release of its song, Besharam Rang, also featuring Deepika Padukone, on December 12. A sequence in the song showing Deepika in a saffron bikini led to protests across India for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments. The film recently reached the CBFC examination committee for certification. The film went through the due and thorough examining process as per the CBFC guidelines.

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"The committee has guided the makers to implement the advised changes in the film, including the songs, and submit the revised version prior to theatrical release," Joshi said in a statement to PTI. The aim of the CBFC, Joshi said, was to strike a balance between the creativity of the makers and the sentiments of the audience and, accordingly, find a solution.

Prasoon Joshi added, "I must reiterate that our culture and faith are glorious, intricate, and nuanced. And we should be careful that it does not get defined by trivia, which takes the focus away from the real and the true. And like I have said earlier as well, the trust between creators and audience is most important to protect. And, the creators should keep working towards it."

For those unaware, the film certificate gets issued after the mandatory modifications are done. After the required changes, the final material gets submitted for approval to the board. Those who expressed their displeasure over "Besharam Rang" and demanded changes in it include Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The Madhya Pradesh Ulema Board also sought a ban on the film for "misrepresenting Islam".

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A complaint has also been filed before a court in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, seeking the registration of an FIR against Shah Rukh, Deepika, and others for "hurting religious sentiments" of Hindus in the song. The makers of the film Pathaan, in last week, also released another song, Jhoome Jo Pathaan. Last week, the head priest of an Ayodhya temple said he would "burn alive" Khan for disrespecting the Hindu religion. Pathaan, which also stars John Abraham, is scheduled to hit the theatres on January 25.