Sony Pictures Network has been forced to cancel its scheduled broadcast of Oscar-winning Hollywood movie The Danish Girl on Sunday because the Central Bureau of Film Certification did not issue the required certification saying it was based on a “controversial” subject. The film is based on the world’s first sex reassignment surgery.
An unnamed censor board official told Mumbai Mirror: “It is unsuitable to be viewed by children. It talks about a man who wants a sex change and has a genital operation to become a woman. The subject is sensitive. How do you edit a subject like that?”
The Eddie Redmayne-starrer, which released in Indian theatres in January 2016, waas given an ‘A’ (adult) certification by the CBFC. However, the board official explained that every film that is rated ‘A’ needs to reapply for certification to be aired on TV. The official added that instead of making extensive cuts in the movie to make it TV-friendly, they decided to not telecast it entirely.
“The censor board’s job is not to cut, but to see each movie individually in its context and under the guidelines provided to us. We are a multicultural nation and we have to maintain a balance. What may be suitable for a metropolis, may not be suitable for a small village,” the CBFC official told Mumbai Mirror.
After The Danish Girl was denied the CBFC certification, Sony Le PLEX HD tweeted a statement, saying they will “continue making all necessary efforts to secure certification” and will keep viewers informed about a possible “future date of telecast”.
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