Why India's Censor Board Allows Mindless Violence in Recent Tamil Movies

India, one of the world's oldest film industries, is seeing a shift in its traditional stance on censorship in film. The recent controversial portrayal of violence in Tamil movies, such as 'Leo', has sparked debates on freedom of expression and artistic liberty for filmmakers. This article explores the complex interplay between censorship and creative expression in the Indian context.

Freedom of Expression vs. Censorship in Indian Cinema

Directors in the Indian film industry, including Tamil cinema, enjoy a certain degree of creative freedom. They are not overly restricted by censorship, unlike in some other countries. For example, Hollywood and other global film industries permit a wide range of themes and genres without significant interference from regulatory bodies. The audience is free to choose what they want to watch and what they want to ignore.

Traditions of Censorship in Indian Cinema

Back in India, there is a long-standing tradition of criticizing movies that feature sheer violence and mature content. Cultural reasons are often cited as the justification for this strict scrutiny. However, as society has evolved, so has the understanding and acceptability of such content. With a growing audience for mature and contemporary themes, both actors and filmmakers are embracing more grounded content.

Actors like Vijay and Rajinikanth, who are considered icons of the industry, are now willing to take on roles that include mature and realistic portrayals. These decisions are made based on the filmmakers' creative vision and are subject to the rating systems in place. The Indian Film Certification Board (CFC) categorizes films into different age groups:

3 years 7 years 12 years 16 years 18 years

No individual or entity has the right to deny a creator the freedom to express their vision, as long as it does not mislead, insult, or incriminate an individual, a historic event, or a community. These boundaries are necessary to ensure that the content respects societal values and norms.

Choosing What to Watch

The final choice ultimately lies with the audience. If you or your family members prefer to avoid mature content or violence, you can simply choose not to watch those movies. It’s important to remember that no one is forced to watch a movie; it is a personal choice. Similarly, filmmakers have the freedom to create content within their artistic limits.

The Future of Indian Cinema

India’s film industry is moving towards a more liberal and grounded approach to content creation. This evolution is breaking away from conventional boundaries and fan-driven elements. Tamil cinema is leading this change with its bold and mature themes. This shift is a natural progression that aligns with the increasing cultural openness and the growing acceptance of diverse storytelling.

As a society, we need to adapt our mindsets and embrace this transformation. Cinema is an artistic medium for entertainment, and the decisions on what types of stories are told should be left to the creators. By supporting and appreciating a diverse range of films, we contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the Indian film industry.

Change is inevitable, and it is our responsibility to nurture a cinema environment that is both inclusive and innovative. In doing so, we can enjoy the fruits of artistic freedom while respecting the societal fabric.