The Influence of Political and Social Factors on Censorship Decisions

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), formerly known as the Central Board of Film Censors, is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

The primary objective of film censorship in India is to protect public morality and decency. This includes preventing the exhibition of films that contain obscenity, violence, or other content that is considered harmful to society.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has historically been more supportive of film censorship in India than other political parties. This is because the BJP's ideology is based on Hindu nationalism, which emphasizes the importance of traditional values and morality.

Filmmakers have historically been the most vocal in their opposition to film censorship in India. This is because censorship can restrict their creative freedom and prevent them from expressing their artistic vision.

Religion has been the most common cause of film censorship in India. This is because India is a religiously diverse country, and films that are perceived to be offensive to a particular religion can spark protests and violence.

Aandhi was banned by the CBFC in 1968 because it was perceived to be critical of the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.

Julie was banned by the CBFC in 1977 because it contained scenes of nudity and sexual activity that were considered to be too explicit for Indian audiences.

Kaalia was banned by the CBFC in 1984 because it contained scenes of violence that were considered to be too graphic and disturbing for Indian audiences.

Fire was banned by the CBFC in 1998 because it contained a lesbian love story, which was considered to be offensive to Hindu religious sentiments.

Udta Punjab was banned by the CBFC in 2015 because it contained references to drug abuse in Punjab, which was considered to be a sensitive political issue.

Lipstick Under My Burkha was banned by the CBFC in 2017 because it contained scenes of female sexuality that were considered to be too bold and provocative for Indian audiences.

Padmaavat was banned by the CBFC in 2018 because it contained scenes of violence that were considered to be too graphic and disturbing for Indian audiences.

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi was banned by the CBFC in 2019 because it contained scenes that were considered to be historically inaccurate and offensive to Hindu religious sentiments.

Thackeray was banned by the CBFC in 2020 because it contained scenes that were considered to be critical of the then Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.