Objections apart, 'Mausam' cleared

Bollywood movie 'Mausam' has been cleared for certification by the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) despite objections to some of its scenes by the Indian Air Force (IAF). "Mausam was examined as per guidelines prescribed under the Cinematography Act. Censor certificate will be issued soon," Pankaja Thakur, CEO of CBFC, said.

  

Regarding the objections raised by the Air Force, Thakur said, "CBFC considered involving some senior retired officer from the Air Force in the examining committee but later decided to depend upon the judgement of its own members."

  

She further said, "We are given to understand that the Air Force wants certain cuts as per the MoU signed between the producer and the IAF. CBFC was not a party to any such agreement and we certified Mausam as per the procedure laid down under the Cinematography Act."

  

Thakur, however, clarified that the "censor certificate issued is without prejudice to the MoU, if any, signed between the Air Force and the producer." Well placed sources in the censor board said there was a view that the Board's job is to judge the movie as a work of art.

  

"If there was a breach of agreed conditions or violation of a Memorandum of Understanding, then the Central Board for Film Certification is not the right platform," the Censor Board official said. The film 'Mausam' stars Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. The lead role belongs to Shahid who plays an Air Force officer in the film.