Refusing to interfere with the decision taken by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in issuing ‘A’ certification to Superstar Rajinikanth-starrer ‘Coolie’ which hit the screens a few days back, the Madras High Court today dismissed a plea by the movie’s producer, Sun TV Network, challenging it, citing overdose of violence in the film.The ‘A’ certificate tag for the movie which hit the silver screen across the country on August 14, makes it impermissible for those under 18-years of age to watch the movie in cinemas.
Hence the production firm approached the court with this plea submitting the ‘A’ certificate was issued on the ground that it is unfit to be watched by children in view of its violent content and persistent portrayal of smoking and consumption of liquor.
Interestingly, this is the first Rajinikanth movie to get ‘A’ certificate after a gap of 36 years.The last one was the 1989 flick ‘Siva’, a remake of the Hindi ‘Khoon Pasina’, which was a failure at the box office unlike the other blockbuster hits like ‘Netrikkan’ (1981) and Naan Mahaan Alla’ (1984).
Justice TV Thamilselvi, declining to have a relook at the decision taken by the CBFC’s Examining Committee and the Revising Committee, dismissed the petition of the Kalanithi Maran-owned production house.
Justifying its decision of issuing ‘A’ certification for Coolie, the CBFC submitted that it was based on the guidelines issued by theUnion Government in 1991, mandating that the CBFC to ensure films adhered to cinematically good standards.
As such, the Censor Board is expected to prevent glorification and justification of violence and anti-social activities, which have the dehumanizing effect on impressionable minds, it argued.
On ‘Coolie’, the CBFC said, the movie was examined in accordance with the guidelines and was found to be granted only ‘A’ certification.
Both the five-member examining committee and the 10-member revising committee were unanimous on this, it said and added that the revising committee had suggested during an oral hearing with the filmmakers to edit certain visuals if they desired U/A certification.(UNI)
