Actor-director Deepak Tijori has sparked a debate on film certification, publicly criticizing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for its inconsistent handling of dialogue in the blockbuster Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge. Tijori’s concerns center on the “arbitrary” nature of modern censorship and its impact on artistic integrity.
The “Half-Mute” Dilemma
Tijori expressed confusion over the CBFC’s decision to “half-mute” specific expletives in the theatrical cut. He questioned the logic of silencing only a portion of a cuss word while leaving the rest audible. “I genuinely don’t understand this—why mute half the abuses and let the other half stay?” he remarked.
He further argued that since the film had already been granted an Adults-only (A) certification, such micro-management of language felt redundant. “Who exactly are we protecting here? And from what, half a word?” he asked, highlighting a perceived lack of clarity in current censorship guidelines.
The Digital “Double Standard”
A major point of contention for Tijori is the discrepancy between cinema halls and streaming services. He pointed out a glaring “double standard,” noting that while theatrical versions are strictly edited, the same films often arrive on OTT platforms entirely unmuted.
“The same film releases on OTT completely unmuted, exactly as it was meant to be,” Tijori stated. He suggested that this inconsistency undermines the purpose of theatrical cuts and creates a confusing landscape for content regulation, where younger audiences might still encounter unfiltered dialogue at home despite strict theater controls.
Calling for Consistency
Tijori’s critique raises broader questions about the effectiveness of the current system. He argued that if a film is deemed fit for adults, the creators should be trusted with the dialogue. By flagging these “inconsistent” practices, he hopes to push for a more streamlined and logical approach to content regulation across all viewing platforms.
