New Delhi, Aug 2: Pahlaj Nihalani, the censor board chief, has come up with a novel idea to promote what he calls "clean" Hindi films that endorse "traditional values".
Nihalani, who has drawn allegations of moral policing through his film certification decisions, is set to write to the information and broadcasting ministry seeking a new category - Q (Quality) - for films that are "clean and uphold Indian traditions and values".
"I am suggesting a new category for films that are certified as universal and are fit for family viewing - and also carry some positive messages for society," the chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) said.
He said the Q certificate was also intended to serve as a tax incentive to filmmakers.
"The idea came to my mind because I see that many films without a big star cast have scenes of obscenity and vulgarity interspersed in order to garner eye balls and get audiences in theatres as tickets are very expensive these days.
"So unless we incentivise clean films with tax exemptions, filmmakers will not want to make such films. I am pushing for the category as the government is already considering the recommendations by the Shyam Benegal panel," Nihalani said.
The Benegal panel had submitted its report to the I&B ministry earlier this year, suggesting measures to reform the censoring of films.
To canvass support for his idea, Nihalani has called a meeting with leading Bollywood filmmakers next week.
He has proposed the new category specifically for Hindi films. Regional cinema, he said, anyway got benefits and recognition from state governments. For example, in Tamil Nadu, Tamil films are tax-free if they have a Tamil title and a 'U' certificate from the censor board.
States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Gujarat provide tax exemption to films made in their respective local languages.
While the criteria for awarding a Q certificate are still being worked out by the censor board, what is certain is that these will be films that get the U certificate and are cleared without cuts. Plus, there should be a strong social message, said an administrative official at the censor board.
Some censor board members said the matter was never discussed in board meetings.
"I do know even if entertainment tax is a state subject but in special cases such a National Award-winning films, the central notification to declare them as tax free is possible," said a board member.
"But I am surprised the chairman has decided to advise the government without consulting other members."
Mukesh Bhatt, the president of the Films and Television Producers' Guild of India, did not sound very enthusiastic about the plan.
"Of course, tax levied on films in India is very high and small filmmakers bear the brunt, but why give benefits only to a certain category of films that some people sitting at CBFC feel is good?" he said.
"Cinema is an art form and it is ridiculous that somebody is planning to judge it morally in such naive manner."
