There is a saying that our parents keep telling us - 'jaisi karni waisi bharni'. In English, the proverb goes like this, 'what you sow, so shall you reap'. As much as we like to rub this fact against the face of former CBFC Pahlaj Nihalani, we also have to adhere to the fact that we respect the right of expression, when it comes to cultural arts. Even in the case of puerile stuff like Nihalani's upcoming production, Rangeela Raja. The movie has been embroiled in a legal case, after the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) has demanded 20 cuts from the film. Rangeela Raja vs Censor Board: HC Directs FCAT to Expeditiously Hear Nihalani's Plea.

So what are these cuts all about? An affidavit filed by an advocate, Advait Sethna, who is representing the CBFC gives us some ideas. Apparently, the board has issues with the portrayal of the hero as a unrepentant rapist, and the movie seeks glory in objectifying women. The affidavit, revealed by Hindustan Times, calls the hero as a person  who has " no repentance of his actions and crimes, including rape, adultery and treating women as a commodity for his sensual pleasures." Rangeela Raja vs Censor Board: Govinda Alleges Film Industry Is Conspiring Against Him by Not Letting His Films Release on Any Good Platform.

Some of that character description is clearly indicated in that tasteless trailer that came out a couple of weeks back.

The affidavit further states that, "In a social milieu where we are taking strong actions on objectification of women, crimes against women, the examining committee of the CBFC has very responsibly suggested the aforesaid excisions or modifications in the film in public interest."

It also adds that while the protagonist is later punished for his crimes by the end of the film, there is a comment in the end that claims he will continue to be 'Rangeela' forever. Ah, well!

Nihalani, in his heydays as the CBFC head, had infamously demanded such unjustifiable cuts from many a film, most controversially being SPECTRE, Mohalla Assi, Udta Punjab, Lipstick Under My Burkha etc. So many are not wrong in saying that he is getting a taste of his own medicine.

That said, it is wrong for the Board to demand so many cuts from a film by using a moral stand as an excuse. Even if the content is puerile, the Board could have suggested an Adults rating that the movie totally deserves, which would spare the kids from watching Rangeela Raja (I actually judge those parents who would take their kids for this one, though that's my personal opinion). We have had some very misogynistic, sexist movies come out in the past. Though not on the level of Rangeela Raja, Govinda's last film, Fryday, was also guilty of these crimes, showing in the end that the lead character has not mended his philandering ways. If Pahlaj Nihalani had refused to accept that A rating, then CBFC has every right to be firm on its stand.

So what do you say, readers? Do you feel that the Board is right in demanding the cuts from Rangeela Raja? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

(The opinions expressed in the above article are of the author and do not reflect the stand or position of LatestLY.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 22, 2018 01:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).