NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on Thursday dismissed reports claiming that it had edited the blockbuster Hindi film Dhurandhar and claimed that the government had not given any instructions to mute words or edit dialogues.Reacting to reports that the theatrical version of the Ranveer Singh-starrer was changed after the ministry’s intervention, the I&B ministry said, “The ministry has not issued any instructions on the matter.”
Clarifying the certification process, the ministry explained that the changes in question were initiated by the filmmakers themselves. “The changes in the revised version of the film have been suggested by the applicants/producers themselves and are being examined by the CBFC as part of the routine certification process prescribed under the Cinematograph Act and Rules,” it said.The ministry further stated that all permitted changes would be strictly in accordance with applicable norms. “The revisions were approved in accordance with the CBFC guidelines, which require that images or words that are disrespectful to race, religion or other groups should not be presented. The process was carried out in accordance with Rule 31 of the amended Cinematograph Act,” the statement added.Media reports had earlier pointed out that the word ‘Baloch’ was muted in a revised theatrical version of Dhurandhar and claimed that theaters had been asked to replace the digital copy of the film as per the ministry’s instructions. However, the Ministry’s clarification underlines that the review of the revised version is part of the Central Board of Film Certificationis a routine legal process and not the result of a government order.
