CBFC wants 12 cuts in Madhur Bhandarkar's India Lockdown despite 'A' certificate

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked for 12 cuts despite awarding an ‘A’, or adults only, certificate for Madhur Bhandarkar’s film India Lockdown which he shot during the pandemic.

The film revolves around four central characters and blends their journeys to narrate the story of people in India during the first countrywide lockdown after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in 2020.

The CBFC, popularly known as the censor board, has asked for 12 cuts, two visual and 10 audio, from Shweta Basu Prasad’s narrative in the film, which is about sex workers and highlights their plight during this phase.

The visual cuts involve a scene showing phone sex and another showing amorous physical involvement between a sex worker and her client. The audio cuts, on the other hand, attempt to censor the language used in the film.

Bhandarkar, who had visited red-light areas in Mumbai with the actress as part of his research and prep, has decided to approach the revising committee for redress.

“All these cuts are from the track that focuses on a sex worker’s life in Kamathipura,” the director said. "The language, I’m told, is problematic. The language has been used to keep the story authentic and we are ready to accept an ‘A’ certificate.”

Bhandarkar said removing so many words and important scenes would dilute the impact and essence of the plot. “To retain the authenticity in the film, I had to keep these elements as part of the narrative. We now plan to approach the revising committee,” he said.

Presented by Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios) and produced by Bhandarkar Entertainment, Pranav Jain, Dhaval Jayantilal Gada and Aksshay Jayantilal Gada, India Lockdown also features Prateik Babbar, Sai Tamhankar, Aahana Kumra, Zarin Shihab, Ayeesha Aiman, Sativik Bhatia and Saanand Verma.