THE HINDU Editorial Vocabulary-July 29, 2017- Topic 1

Cinema & censorship

In a system that sets much store by retaining the power to censor films in the name of certifying them, random attempts by petitioners seeking cuts or even a ban often add to the pre-release anxieties of filmmakers. While rejecting the petition filed by a person claiming to be the daughter of the late Sanjay Gandhi to set aside the certificate granted to Indu Sarkar, a film directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, the Supreme Court has rightly banked on a well-established principle that freedom of expression cannot be curtailed without a valid reason. 

It has reiterated that the film is nothing but artistic expression within the parameters of law and that there is no warrant or justification to curtail it. Earlier, the Central Board of Film Certification, which under its present director, Pahlaj Nihalani, has not exactly distinguished itself, had granted a certificate to the film after suggesting 14 cuts. The Revision Committee had reduced the number of cuts, leaving nothing to be adjudicated as far as the suitability of the film for exhibition is concerned. Yet, a single individual managed to create some uncertainty over the release of the film by approaching the courts. The film relates to events set during the 1975-77 Emergency and, going by the director’s disclaimer, its factual content is limited to 30%. Apart from the expression of concern by some Congress functionaries, there was little to suggest that anyone would take seriously the claim that the party’s leaders may be convincingly shown “in a bad light”.

Recent experience suggests that the CBFC does not always see itself as a certifying authority, but rather plays the censor quite merrily. In the case ofUdta Punjablast year, it was seeking to be the guardian of Punjab’s honour against the depiction of the high prevalence of drug addiction in the State. The Bombay High Court had to remind the CBFC that certification, and not censorship, is its primary role and that its power to order changes and cuts must be exercised in accordance with constitutional principles. More recently, the CBFC sought to play the moral censor with regard to Lipstick Under My Burkha, a film it thought was too “lady-oriented” to be given a certificate, presumably because it depicts their fantasies. The Film Certification Appellate Tribunal had to intervene to secure the release of the film, with an ‘A’ certificate. These instances demonstrate that challenges to freedom come from both within the systemic framework and outside. It is a matter of satisfaction that the courts prefer to protect the right to free expression rather than entertain excuses such as maintenance of law and order and public tranquillity, or someone’s sense of hurt or the fear of someone being portrayed in a bad light. It is disconcerting, nonetheless, that the battle for free expression is having to be fought so often these days.

Vocabulary

Retain: continue to have something; keep possession of.

Example: Built in 1830, the house retains many of its original features

Synonyms: keep, keep possession of, keep hold of, hold on to, hang on to

Anxiety: a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

Example: He felt a surge of anxiety

Synonyms: worry, concern, apprehension, apprehensiveness, uneasiness

Curtailed: reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on.

Example: Civil liberties were further curtailed

Synonyms: reduce, cut, cut down, decrease, lessen, pare down, trim, retrench

Reiterate: say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis or clarity.

Example: She reiterated that the administration would remain steadfast in its support

Synonyms: repeat, say again, restate, retell, recapitulate

Adjudicate: make a formal judgment or decision about a problem or disputed matter.

Example: The committee adjudicates on all betting disputes

Suitability: the quality of being right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation.

Example: The suitability of residential accommodation varied widely

Merrily: in a cheerful way.

Example: She laughs merrily , seemingly delighted by this little piece of knowledge.

Depiction: the action or result of depicting something, especially in art.

Example: The painting's horrific depiction of war

Synonyms: picture, painting, portrait, drawing, sketch, study, illustration

Prevalence: the fact or condition of being prevalent; commonness.

Example: The prevalence of obesity in adults

Synonyms: commonness, currency,  generality, popularity

Demonstrate: clearly show the existence or truth of something by giving proof or evidence.

Example: Their shameful silence demonstrates their ineptitude

Synonyms: reveal, bespeak, indicate, signify, signal, denote, show, display

Portray: depict someone or something  in a work of art or literature.

Example: The author wanted to portray a new type of hero

Synonyms: paint, draw, sketch, picture, depict, represent, illustrate, render